Peshawar: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Information and Public Relations, Shafi Jan, has expressed confidence that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) will secure a decisive victory in the general elections scheduled for Gilgit-Baltistan on June 7. He stated that, practically speaking, PTI has already won the Gilgit-Baltistan elections. According to him, unlike other political parties, the obstacles placed in PTI's election campaign clearly indicate that the people of Gilgit-Baltistan have already delivered their verdict in favor of Imran Khan before the polls.
Concerns Over Pre-Poll Rigging
Addressing a news conference at Khyber Pakhtunkhwa House in Islamabad, the KP Minister highlighted that the fear of defeat is driving rival parties toward pre-poll rigging in Gilgit-Baltistan. He said that the reality is that other political parties are evidently fearful of Imran Khan's popularity in the region. Expressing concern over what he described as discriminatory treatment against PTI during the election campaign, Shafi Jan pointed out several incidents: PTI Khyber Pakhtunkhwa President Junaid Akbar Khan was arrested and expelled from the province, airport traffic was blocked to prevent Asad Qaiser from proceeding, and PTI Central Secretary General Salman Akram Raja along with Intizar Panjutha were also prevented from participating in the election campaign.
Electoral Alliances and Symbols
The Information Minister further stated that the party with which PTI had formed an electoral alliance was unfortunately deprived even of its election symbol, while PTI candidates were allotted different symbols. He added that despite being imprisoned, PTI founder Imran Khan continues to dominate the political thinking of rival parties. Shafi Jan announced that the party is formulating a comprehensive strategy to safeguard its votes and public mandate, and remains in constant contact with all candidates. He emphasized that complete protection of Form 45 would be ensured this time, and the electoral irregularities faced by PTI in the February 8 elections would not be allowed to recur.
Shafi Jan recalled that on February 8, PTI's public mandate was taken away, and despite having a clear majority in the federation and Punjab, the party was deprived of its right to form government through what he termed "Form 47." He added that PTI is also not being provided a level playing field in Gilgit-Baltistan. Concluding his remarks, he stated that despite all these tactics, PTI will achieve a clean sweep in Gilgit-Baltistan and form its government. Commenting on the country's overall situation, he said that due to the poor policies of what he termed the "Form 47 rulers," every sector of the country is facing decline.
