The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) on Tuesday strongly criticized what it described as the use of federal government influence and state resources in the ongoing election campaign for the upcoming Gilgit-Baltistan elections, warning that such practices could undermine the credibility and transparency of the electoral process.
In a statement, PPP Parliamentarians Central Information Secretary Shazia Marri expressed concern over the reported involvement of federal ministers and government machinery in election-related activities in Gilgit-Baltistan. She said the presence of federal ministers in campaign efforts and the alleged deployment of official resources for political purposes raised serious questions about the fairness of the electoral environment.
Concerns Over Fairness
Marri stated that any interference in the electoral process casts a shadow over the prospects of free, fair, and transparent elections. She emphasized that a genuine level playing field for all political parties and candidates was indispensable to ensuring that the people of Gilgit-Baltistan could exercise their democratic rights without undue influence.
Bilawal's Remarks on Forms 45 and 47
The PPP leader also addressed recent discussions surrounding remarks made by PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari regarding Forms 45 and 47, saying his comments were being taken out of context and misrepresented by political opponents. According to Marri, Bilawal had merely reminded the public that during the previous general elections, the PPP believed it had been deprived of nine seats despite strong electoral performances. She said the PPP chairman had urged voters to protect both their votes and Form 45 documents, which serve as the primary record of polling station results.
“Where accurate Form 45s are preserved and safeguarded, there is no opportunity for anyone to steal the public mandate,” Marri said. She stressed that Form 45 constitutes the foundation of the election results process, while Form 47 is prepared subsequently on the basis of the data contained in those polling station records.
Commitment to Democratic Principles
Reaffirming the PPP’s commitment to democratic principles, Marri said the party has always relied on public support rather than seeking power through non-democratic means. She maintained that the PPP has never requested political selection or special treatment from any institution and remains committed to strengthening democratic norms and the sanctity of the vote.
Historical Connection with Gilgit-Baltistan
Highlighting the party’s historical connection with Gilgit-Baltistan, Marri said the region’s people have placed their trust in the PPP for three generations. She attributed this support to the party’s longstanding advocacy for marginalized and underprivileged communities.
The PPP spokesperson paid tribute to the legacy of former Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, saying both leaders consistently championed the rights of disadvantaged segments of society and worked to expand democratic participation across the country.
Campaign Efforts
Marri reiterated that the PPP would continue its struggle for democratic values, public rights, and the protection of the electoral mandate. She said the party remained committed to ensuring that elections are conducted transparently and that the will of the people is fully respected. She further noted that Bilawal Bhutto Zardari is personally leading the PPP’s election campaign in Gilgit-Baltistan and is being accompanied by his sister, Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, as the party intensifies its outreach efforts ahead of the polls.
