Punjab deploys 6,000 police to Gilgit-Baltistan amid rigging allegations

Six thousand Punjab police personnel are being deployed to Gilgit-Baltistan to ensure security during the upcoming June 7 election. This deployment was approved in stages, with an initial 5,000 officers followed by an additional 1,000.

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5,000 police personnel have been placed at the disposal of Gilgit-Baltistan police for election security duty.

The Punjab police will be equipped with anti-riot gear, and their travel to Gilgit-Baltistan will be escorted by armed personnel. Transport arrangements will be made by the motor transport department, ensuring buses are in good condition and drivers are familiar with the terrain.

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1,000 more police personnel [...] are placed at the disposal of Gilgit-Baltistan police for making security arrangements during elections

The deployment occurs amidst serious allegations of pre-poll rigging by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). The party accuses the federal government of misusing state resources to suppress democratic voices and undermine the electoral process. PTI has also criticized the Gilgit-Baltistan Election Commission for what it calls partisan conduct, citing a notice issued to the mother of a former chief minister and alleged threats to candidates.

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systematic pre-poll rigging

PTI claims that while their parliamentarians are being prevented from entering Gilgit-Baltistan, federal ministers from the ruling PML-N are actively influencing local administration. The party asserts that the Election Commission's silence on violations by the ruling party and its selective targeting of PTI candidates demonstrate its use as a "tool of the regime."

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brazenly misusing state resources to suppress democratic voices and undermine the electoral process even before a single vote is cast