ISLAMABAD/GILGIT (MNN); Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday congratulated the people of Gilgit-Baltistan on the successful, peaceful and transparent conduct of the region’s general elections, while also felicitating the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) for emerging as the largest political party in the electoral contest.
In a statement, the prime minister said the elections reflected the strength of democracy and praised voters for their active participation in the democratic process. He particularly congratulated the PPP for securing the highest number of seats and extended his felicitations to President Asif Ali Zardari and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on the party’s performance.
According to unofficial and unconfirmed results received from 19 of the 24 constituencies, the PPP emerged as the leading political force by winning nine seats, placing it ahead of all rival parties.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also congratulated the successful candidates of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), commending the party’s campaign team for its hard work, commitment and competitive performance during the election campaign.
Highlighting the importance of the electoral process, the premier said peaceful and transparent elections coupled with vibrant political participation represented the true beauty of democracy. He also praised the Election Commission for conducting what he described as a fair, transparent and impartial electoral process.
The prime minister further acknowledged the role of police and law enforcement agencies in maintaining peace and security throughout the election period, saying their efforts contributed significantly to the successful completion of the polls.
Based on the results announced so far, the PPP secured victories in constituencies GBA-1, GBA-4, GBA-5, GBA-7, GBA-9, GBA-10, GBA-11, GBA-12 and GBA-19.
The PML-N won three seats in constituencies GBA-18, GBA-20 and GBA-22, while Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM) secured one seat in GBA-8.
Independent candidates also performed strongly, winning six constituencies including GBA-3, GBA-6, GBA-16, GBA-21, GBA-23 and GBA-24.
Although results from several constituencies are still awaited, the emerging electoral picture indicates that the PPP is set to become the largest party in the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly.
Despite the celebrations, several political parties raised concerns over the transparency of the electoral process.
PPP Secretary General Nayar Bukhari alleged that attempts were being made to alter election results and claimed that a systematic effort was underway to undermine the party’s electoral gains.
He said results in several constituencies, including GBA-16 and GBA-17, had not been announced despite PPP’s claimed victories and warned of protests if the public mandate was not respected.
PPP leader Qamar Zaman Kaira also expressed concern regarding delays in the issuance of Form-45, urging election authorities to ensure that the will of the voters was accurately reflected in the final results. He called on party workers to remain peaceful and stay at polling stations until official documentation was provided.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan also questioned the conduct of the elections, alleging that PTI leaders and candidates faced restrictions during the campaign.
Speaking on a television programme, Gohar said his party had not been allowed to hold election rallies and claimed that senior PTI leaders, including Asad Qaiser and Salman Akram Raja, were prevented from fully participating in the campaign.
He maintained that all political parties should be allowed to campaign freely and that whichever party secures the public’s mandate should have the right to form the government.
Gohar further emphasized that political rights must be respected and election results should be compiled transparently and fairly.
Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) also voiced reservations regarding the election process. Senior party leader Abdul Ghafoor Haideri said delays in announcing results had raised serious questions about transparency and credibility.
He claimed that concerns regarding Form-45 and alleged attempts to alter results had damaged public confidence in the electoral process. Haideri further alleged that efforts were made to convert a JUI-F victory in Darel into a defeat.
Meanwhile, unofficial results showed PPP candidate Amjad Hussain winning constituency GBA-1, while independent candidate Syed Sohail Abbas secured victory in GBA-3 Gilgit.
For the elections, the Election Commission established 1,391 polling stations across Gilgit-Baltistan. Of these, 488 were classified as normal, 349 as sensitive and 551 as highly sensitive.
The PPP fielded the largest number of candidates, nominating 23 contestants, followed by the PML-N with 22 candidates and 19 independent candidates backed by PTI.
The Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) fielded 15 candidates, Pakistan Nazriyati Party (PNP) 11 candidates, while JUI-F and Islami Tehreek Pakistan (ITP) each fielded nine candidates.
Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen nominated seven candidates, while Jamaat-e-Islami and Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan each fielded six candidates. The Awami Workers Party also participated with four candidates.
Authorities said comprehensive security arrangements were made to ensure peaceful polling. Personnel from the local police, Gilgit-Baltistan Scouts, and contingents from Punjab and Sindh police were deployed across the region.
Additional security measures were taken at vulnerable and sensitive polling stations, while law enforcement agencies remained on high alert throughout the electoral process.
Gilgit-Baltistan Inspector General of Police Nasir Akbar Khan said more than 17,500 security personnel were deployed to maintain law and order during the elections.
He added that police, Rangers and other security agencies remained fully alert, with additional forces stationed at sensitive polling stations to ensure a peaceful voting process.