Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa President Junaid Akbar Khan was arrested during the election campaign in Gilgit-Baltistan, triggering strong condemnation from the party leadership. According to details, Junaid Akbar Khan was taken into custody by Gilgit-Baltistan Police at the Henzel area while he was visiting the region in connection with the election campaign.
Speaking about the incident, Junaid Akbar stated that he was informed he did not possess a No Objection Certificate (NOC) and was asked to leave Gilgit immediately. Police officials confirmed that the PTI Khyber Pakhtunkhwa President had been arrested along with his companions from the Henzel area. According to the police, Junaid Akbar and his associates will be expelled from Gilgit-Baltistan.
PTI Chairman condemns arrest
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar strongly condemned the arrest, calling it a clear case of pre-poll rigging. In his statement, Barrister Gohar emphasized that preventing Junaid Akbar from participating in the election campaign was unacceptable and amounted to undermining democratic processes. He said that people should be allowed to travel freely across the country, adding that denying political space in Gilgit-Baltistan would harm democracy.
Barrister Gohar further stated that the Election Commission should provide equal opportunities for election campaigning to all political parties. He demanded the immediate release of Junaid Akbar and his companions, and urged the authorities to ensure a level playing field for all parties in the upcoming elections.
Background of the incident
The arrest took place at a time when political activities in Gilgit-Baltistan are intensifying ahead of the elections. PTI leaders have accused the local administration of using the NOC requirement as a pretext to target opposition figures and stifle their campaign activities. Junaid Akbar, a prominent PTI leader from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, was visiting Gilgit-Baltistan to support party candidates and mobilize voters.
The incident has drawn criticism from various political quarters, with many viewing it as an attempt to curb the PTI's electoral prospects in the region. The party has vowed to challenge the arrest legally and continue its campaign despite the setback.
