ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has issued a no-objection certificate (NOC) allowing Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Nawaz Sharif to visit Gilgit-Baltistan and participate in election campaign activities ahead of the region’s upcoming polls.
According to election officials, Nawaz Sharif is scheduled to arrive in Gilgit-Baltistan on June 2 as part of the PML-N’s campaign for the June 7 elections. The approval was granted by the Chief Election Commissioner of Gilgit-Baltistan.
The permission allows the former prime minister to take part in campaign activities, subject to compliance with the election code of conduct and applicable election laws.
Campaign visit approved
Election authorities said the NOC was issued following a request submitted by the PML-N.
Officials also emphasized that all political parties and candidates are required to adhere to election regulations during campaign activities. Any violation of the code of conduct could result in legal action under relevant election laws.
Political backdrop
The approval comes amid heightened political activity ahead of the Gilgit-Baltistan elections.
Last week, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) alleged that its Khyber Pakhtunkhwa president and National Assembly member Junaid Akbar was detained and later removed from Gilgit-Baltistan while campaigning for the polls.
PTI claimed that Akbar and several party leaders were stopped at a checkpoint and prevented from continuing campaign activities. However, Gilgit-Baltistan authorities denied making any formal arrests and said the action was taken over alleged violations of the election code of conduct.
The incident sparked criticism from PTI leaders, who accused authorities of restricting opposition campaigning ahead of the elections.
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