The Pakistan People's Party (PPP) has expressed deep concern over the delay in the announcement of election results in Gilgit-Baltistan, vowing to protect the public mandate under all circumstances. In a statement, PPP Secretary General Humayun Khan said the party would continue to raise its voice for the rights of the people through constitutional, democratic, and legal means.
Commitment to Democratic Values
He emphasized that the party remains committed to safeguarding democratic values and ensuring that the will of the people is respected. Referring to the issue of Form 45, he said the party's timely efforts had played an important role in protecting the transparency of the electoral process. He maintained that any interference in public decisions was unacceptable and warned against attempts to alter the outcome of the democratic process.
Fundamental Requirement of Democracy
Humayun Khan said respect for the people's verdict in Gilgit-Baltistan was a fundamental requirement of democracy. He noted that delays in election results or any efforts to manipulate them undermine public trust in democratic institutions. The PPP leader said the party was present in the political arena with strong public support and confidence, adding that it would not tolerate any unconstitutional measures or violations of the public mandate.
He stressed that while the PPP believes in democratic traditions, political tolerance, and constitutional principles, it would never retreat from defending the sanctity of the vote. He said that the people of Gilgit-Baltistan were fully aware of the facts and that any attempt to alter public opinion or electoral outcomes would be contrary to democratic norms.
Call for Neutrality and Professionalism
Humayun Khan said transparency, justice, and the rule of law are the foundations of a free democratic system. He called on all relevant institutions to perform their responsibilities with neutrality and professionalism. Reaffirming the PPP's commitment to democratic principles, he said the party has always respected the decisions of the people and would pursue every constitutional avenue to protect the mandate given by voters.
He urged authorities to acknowledge the public's voice in Gilgit-Baltistan rather than suppress it, saying that transparent and fair elections are essential for a strong democracy. “History has shown that artificial decisions cannot prevail against the power of the people,” he said, adding the PPP stands firmly with its workers and voters.
