Protests block Karakoram Highway for third day over election disputes in Gilgit-Baltistan

Protests have entered their third day in Gilgit-Baltistan, with demonstrators continuing to block the vital Karakoram Highway in the Diamer region and other areas. The demonstrations are a response to alleged irregularities and delays in the announcement of official results following the June 7 election.

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Form 47 was also prepared on the basis of Form 45; now only the counting of postal ballots remains.

The Gilgit-Baltistan Election Commission has ordered re-polling in several constituencies, including Skardu-II, Astore-I, and three in Diamer. The commission stipulated that election results should not be consolidated until this re-polling is completed. This decision has fueled further discontent among various political factions.

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Ordering re-polling by delaying the counting of postal ballots was “unacceptable” under any circumstances.

Supporters of PPP candidate Attaullah from GBA-16 Diamer-II staged a protest outside the district returning officer's office in Chilas, bringing the Karakoram Highway to a standstill. They are demanding the immediate counting of postal ballots and the announcement of the constituency's final result, while also calling for the cancellation of re-polling at three stations. The highway has been closed to all traffic for three days, causing significant difficulties for travelers who are being forced to use alternative routes like Babusar Road.

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An attempt is being made to snatch the public mandate in GBA-16 Diamer-II.

Protesters claim that official results were prepared based on Form 45 and Form 47, with only postal ballots remaining. They deem the order for re-polling, while delaying the postal ballot count, "unacceptable." Attaullah alleged that an attempt is being made to overturn the public's mandate in GBA-16, citing discrepancies in vote counts and postal ballot numbers. The protesters described the Election Commission's decision for re-polling as a "complete excess and robbery" of the public mandate, demanding transparency and the release of official results based on postal ballot counts.

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The Commission’s decision for repolling was a “complete excess and robbery” of the public mandate.