Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has formally requested the Chief Justice of the Supreme Appellate Court of Gilgit-Baltistan to intervene in the region’s electoral process. In a letter issued Saturday, the Chief Minister cited an “alarming” deterioration in the environment surrounding the upcoming elections, calling for judicial action to safeguard transparency.
The appeal follows a series of reported obstacles facing Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders. On Saturday, senior PTI figure Asad Qaiser stated he was blocked from reaching Islamabad airport, forcing him to miss a flight to Skardu for campaign activities. This incident occurred shortly after PTI MNA Junaid Akbar and his team were reportedly expelled from the region while campaigning for the June 7 elections.
Did You Know?
While elections for the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly remain a point of contention, an official notification confirmed that the election program for those general elections was withdrawn on December 18, 2025. Meanwhile, local government elections for the region are currently scheduled for June 14.
Concerns Over Electoral Integrity
In his correspondence, CM Afridi described reports emerging from the region as “extremely concerning.” He alleged that a specific political party is encountering systematic barriers, including restrictions on public gatherings, campaign events, and the free movement of its leadership and workers.
The Chief Minister characterized the reported harassment and unlawful detention of political workers as “deeply troubling.” He warned that if these practices remain unchecked, they could “severely undermine the credibility and transparency of the electoral process.”
Expert Insight:
The intervention of a provincial Chief Minister into the electoral affairs of another jurisdiction highlights the high stakes of the upcoming polls. When political leaders move to involve the judiciary, it often signals a breakdown in the standard administrative mechanisms meant to ensure a level playing field. If the court does not issue clear directives to restore equal political space, public confidence in the legitimacy of the electoral outcome could be significantly compromised.
The Path Forward
The letter calls for immediate judicial intervention to guarantee that all political parties can operate without discrimination. By invoking constitutional protections, CM Afridi has urged the court to uphold the fundamental rights of citizens and parties to participate in fair and impartial elections.
Should the court accept the appeal, it could mandate that relevant authorities remove restrictions on political workers and provide a secure environment for campaigning. Conversely, if the alleged obstacles persist, observers may expect further legal challenges or heightened political instability in the region as the June 7 and June 14 dates approach.
Frequently Asked Questions
What specific incidents prompted the Chief Minister’s letter?
The letter was prompted by reports of obstacles faced by PTI leaders, including the alleged prevention of Asad Qaiser from reaching his flight to Skardu and the reported expulsion of MNA Junaid Akbar from the region during his campaign.
What is the current status of elections in Gilgit-Baltistan?
The general elections for the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly were subject to a withdrawn election program as of December 18, 2025. Currently, local government elections are slated for June 14.
What is the Chief Minister asking the court to do?
CM Afridi has requested that the Chief Justice of the Supreme Appellate Court of Gilgit-Baltistan exercise its constitutional mandate to ensure free and fair elections, end the alleged harassment of political workers, and restore equal political space for all parties.
How do you believe the judiciary should balance executive authority with the protection of political campaign rights?
