Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Sindh President Haleem Adil Sheikh on Tuesday urged the authorities to ensure that the upcoming Gilgit-Baltistan elections are conducted in a transparent, impartial, and fair manner, warning that any attempt to make the electoral process controversial would be detrimental to democratic norms.
In a statement issued from Karachi, Mr Haleem said that the people of Gilgit-Baltistan must be allowed to exercise their right to vote freely and without any pressure or interference. He stressed that any form of manipulation or undue influence in the electoral process would be contrary to democratic values.
He said that political stability in the country could only be achieved through free, fair, and transparent elections, adding that past attempts to undermine public mandates had contributed to political uncertainty and economic challenges.
Referring to the general elections held on February 8, 2024, the PTI leader said that the electorate had delivered a clear verdict, but that efforts to influence and dispute the public mandate had damaged the democratic process. He claimed that the public continued to place its trust in former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s leadership and narrative and described PTI as the country’s most popular political party.
Haleem called for PTI to be provided equal constitutional and political rights to campaign in Gilgit-Baltistan, saying that all political parties should be given a level playing field to present their programmes before voters.
He further demanded that the electoral process remain free from pressure, bias, and unnecessary interference so that voters could elect their representatives independently.
‘The people of Gilgit-Baltistan are politically aware and will use the power of their vote to choose their genuine representatives,’ he said, adding that respect for the public mandate is fundamental to democracy and the country’s future.
Expressing confidence in his party’s prospects, Haleem said that PTI would achieve significant success in the Gilgit-Baltistan elections with the support of the people.
He also emphasised that economic growth, investment, and public prosperity are not possible without political stability, urging the relevant authorities to ensure complete transparency in the elections and uphold the will of the electorate.