ISLAMABAD (MNN); Senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leader Asad Qaiser on Saturday claimed he was prevented from reaching Islamabad airport, causing him to miss his flight to Skardu where he was due to campaign for the upcoming Gilgit-Baltistan elections.
Qaiser alleged that Punjab police blocked access routes leading to the airport and did not allow him to enter the premises. In a post on X, he said he was effectively held until his flight departed, resulting in him missing the journey along with inconvenience to many other passengers.
He described the incident as political victimisation and interference in the electoral process, alleging that efforts were being made to obstruct PTI’s election campaign in Gilgit-Baltistan.
Qaiser said he remained determined to continue participating in the campaign despite the restrictions and expressed confidence that the people of Gilgit-Baltistan would reject such tactics and vote freely.
Videos shared by him on social media showed heavy traffic congestion outside the airport entrance, with long queues of vehicles waiting to enter. In one video, he was seen speaking with police officials and urging them to allow other passengers through.
The development comes a day after PTI MNA Junaid Akbar and his team were removed from Gilgit-Baltistan while campaigning for the June 7 elections.
An Islamabad police official denied involvement, saying airport access did not fall under Islamabad police jurisdiction.
PTI Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram said it was unfair that federal ministers were freely campaigning in Gilgit-Baltistan while PTI leaders were allegedly being prevented from doing so. He also criticised the Election Commission for remaining silent over what he called violations of the election code of conduct.
Senate Opposition Leader Raja Nasir Abbas termed the alleged obstruction a violation of democratic rights and political freedom, saying equal opportunities should be available to all parties during the election campaign.
Former opposition leader Omar Ayub Khan called the incident “pre-poll rigging”.
Meanwhile, senior Pakistan Muslim League (N) leader Khawaja Saad Rafique also said he missed his flight to Skardu, claiming traffic heading toward the airport was blocked, leaving several passengers stranded in the heat.
Gilgit-Baltistan is set to hold legislative elections on June 7 after a four-month delay, with major political parties intensifying campaign activity across the region.
