KP CM Afridi urges GB chief justice to ensure transparency amid 'alarming' electoral environment

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has formally requested judicial intervention to guarantee transparency in the upcoming Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) elections. In a letter addressed to the Chief Justice of the Supreme Appellate Court of GB, Afridi expressed grave concern over what he described as an "alarming" decline in the electoral atmosphere.

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alarming

The chief minister's appeal follows a series of reported incidents targeting Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders during the ongoing election campaign in the region. Notably, PTI senior leader Asad Qaiser claimed he was prevented from reaching Islamabad airport, causing 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 GB while campaigning for the June 7 elections.

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extremely concerning

Afridi's letter highlighted "extremely concerning" reports from GB, alleging that one political party faces undue obstacles in conducting routine electoral activities, including public gatherings and campaigning. He further stated that reports of political workers being harassed and unlawfully detained are "deeply troubling." The chief minister warned that unchecked practices could "severely undermine the credibility and transparency of the electoral process."

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deeply troubling

Emphasizing constitutional rights, Afridi reminded the court that Pakistan's Constitution guarantees the fundamental right to participate in free, fair, and impartial elections. He called for clear directives to authorities to ensure fair elections, an immediate halt to alleged harassment and restrictions, and the restoration of equal political space for all parties. The chief minister appealed for swift action against any violations of democratic rights to uphold the rule of law and electoral integrity, expressing hope that judicial intervention would lead to credible and peaceful elections.

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severely undermine the credibility and transparency of the electoral process.