PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan on Thursday warned against excessive political pressure on his party, saying it should not be pushed to a point where it considers leaving the political system. He said continued restrictions on PTI activities could force the party to reassess its participation in parliament. The remarks come as political campaigning intensifies ahead of the Gilgit-Baltistan elections.
Addressing a corner meeting in Skardu, Gohar said PTI leaders were being prevented from conducting election campaigns in the region. He argued that such actions raised questions about the benefits of remaining within the existing political framework. The PTI chairman warned that the party could be compelled to withdraw from the National Assembly and Senate if the situation continued.
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Gohar also alleged that restrictions on PTI leaders and lawmakers amounted to pre-poll rigging. He said preventing party figures from entering certain areas or participating in campaign activities was unconstitutional. According to him, such measures undermined democratic norms and weakened the credibility of the electoral process.
The PTI leader further criticised rival political parties contesting the Gilgit-Baltistan elections. He claimed some politicians were seeking support in the region despite failing to secure public confidence in their own constituencies. Gohar argued that opponents were relying on efforts to restrict PTI rather than presenting their performance to voters.
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His comments come amid an increasingly competitive campaign environment in Gilgit-Baltistan ahead of Sunday’s polls. Political parties have stepped up public gatherings and outreach efforts across the region. The election is being closely watched as parties compete for influence in the strategically important territory.