Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Nawaz Sharif is set to visit Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) on Tuesday to launch his party’s election campaign. The visit follows the formal issuance of a No Objection Certificate (NOC) by the Election Commission of G-B on Monday, clearing the way for the former prime minister to engage in regional political activities ahead of the June 7 elections.
The permission comes as political tensions rise in the region. Senior Minister of Punjab and PML-N leader Marriyum Aurangzeb confirmed that the one-day visit will focus on meetings with party leadership and ticket holders to discuss the electoral landscape and regional development.
The G-B Election Commission Secretariat has emphasized that the NOC is strictly conditional. The visit must comply with the Elections Act, 2017, and the Code of Conduct for General Elections 2026. The commission warned that any deviation from these rules could lead to legal consequences or proceedings against those involved.
Allegations of Obstruction
The upcoming visit occurs against a backdrop of accusations from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). Party leaders Asad Qaiser and Junaid Akbar have alleged that authorities are actively hindering their campaign efforts.
Asad Qaiser reported being prevented from reaching the Islamabad airport, which caused him to miss a flight to Skardu. Meanwhile, Junaid Akbar was reportedly detained by police in Hunza for failing to produce an NOC while campaigning. These incidents have prompted Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi to write to the chief justice of the Supreme Appellate Court of G-B, calling for judicial intervention and threatening to travel to the region personally if the detained parliamentarians are not released.
What Comes Next
As the June 7 election date nears, political parties are entering a final window for voter mobilization. It is likely that the judiciary will face increased pressure to address the claims of restricted movement and detention raised by PTI leadership. Depending on how these legal petitions are handled, the political temperature in G-B could either stabilize following the intervention of high-level officials or see further friction as the campaign period concludes later this week.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of Nawaz Sharif’s visit to G-B?
Nawaz Sharif is visiting to launch his election campaign, meet with party leaders and ticket holders, and hold consultations regarding the electoral situation and public development.
What conditions has the Election Commission placed on the visit?
The visit is subject to strict compliance with the Elections Act, 2017, and the Code of Conduct for General Elections 2026. Any violation of these rules could lead to legal consequences.
Why are PTI leaders raising concerns about the election process?
PTI leaders Asad Qaiser and Junaid Akbar have alleged that authorities are obstructing their election activities and restricting their movement into the region, leading to missed campaign events and detentions.
How do you think these logistical challenges during the campaign period will impact voter turnout on June 7?
