ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif arrived in Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) on Tuesday for a one-day visit, as political parties intensify their campaigns ahead of the upcoming elections scheduled for June 7.
Arrival and Reception
Upon his arrival in G-B, Nawaz was warmly received by Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs Amir Muqam, former G-B chief minister Hafiz Hafeezur Rehman, Captain (retd) Muhammad Safdar, and other party leaders. The delegation accompanying Nawaz includes prominent federal ministers such as Khawaja Asif, Ahsan Iqbal, Rana Sanaullah, Senator Pervaiz Rashid, Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, Senator Anusha Rahman, and Kazim Pirzada.
Meetings and Campaign Activities
During his visit, the PML-N president is scheduled to hold meetings with party leaders and ticket holders contesting the elections. The visit comes a day after the Election Commission issued a No Objection Certificate (NOC), clearing Nawaz to launch his election campaign in the region.
Election Context
The polls, due to take place on June 7, have prompted major political parties to make a final push to mobilize voters across the region before campaigning officially ends later this week. However, allegations by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) that the party had been barred from campaigning have intensified the political temperature in the region.
Legal Compliance
In the notification issued by the Election Commission Secretariat of G-B, the chief election commissioner of G-B accorded permission for Nawaz's visit on Tuesday, "for participation in election-related activities." It added that the NOC was subject to strict compliance with the Elections Act, 2017, applicable election laws and rules, and the Code of Conduct for General Elections 2026. “Any violation thereof shall entail legal consequences under the relevant election laws and may result in appropriate proceedings against the concerned candidate(s) and other persons responsible for such violation,” the notification stated.
