Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif has received official permission to visit Gilgit-Baltistan on June 2 to participate in election campaign activities. The approval matters because campaigning has intensified ahead of the June 7 Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly elections. Political parties, candidates, and voters across the region are directly affected by the development.
According to a notification issued by the Gilgit-Baltistan Election Commission Secretariat, the chief election commissioner approved a No Objection Certificate for the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz president. The permission allows Nawaz Sharif to engage in election-related activities during his visit. Authorities said the approval remains subject to strict compliance with election laws and the code of conduct.
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The notification warned that any violation of election rules could result in legal action against candidates or other responsible individuals. Election officials emphasized that all campaign activities must remain within the framework of the Elections Act 2017 and other relevant regulations. The move comes as political parties make their final efforts to mobilize support before campaigning concludes.
Senior Punjab Minister and PML-N leader Marriyum Aurangzeb said Nawaz Sharif would undertake a one-day visit to the region. During the trip, he is expected to meet party leaders and ticket holders. She said discussions would focus on the electoral situation, campaign strategy, and development-related issues concerning Gilgit-Baltistan.
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The election campaign has also been marked by controversy following allegations from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leaders regarding restrictions on their activities. PTI leaders Asad Qaiser and Junaid Akbar claimed authorities obstructed their campaign efforts in the region. The dispute prompted Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi to seek judicial intervention, adding further political significance to the upcoming vote.