PML-N warns govt against interfering in GB elections.

Byline: Amir Wasim

ISLAMABAD -- The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has warned the federal government against making any effort to rig the upcoming elections in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), saying that any such action would be against the national interest and national security of the country.

'The interest of Pakistan lies in free, fair and transparent elections in GB. Pakistan cannot afford to have any political controversy or dispute in GB which has already become a flashpoint in the region and many countries are eyeing it to get benefit,' said PML-N secretary general Ahsan Iqbal while speaking at a news conference with party's senior vice chairman and former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and information secretary Marriyum Aurangzeb after a party meeting here on Thursday.

'I want to give message to the national institutions so that free, fair and transparent elections are held in GB. The federal government should refrain from horse-trading and interference (in the polls),' said the PML-N leader without naming any institution.

Mr Iqbal alleged that the federal government had already started pre-poll rigging in GB through 'biased ministers' in the caretaker cabinet who had been appointed after interviews conducted by Prime Minister Imran Khan. He said his party had set up a special monitoring cell to keep an eye on postings and transfers being made in GB ahead of the elections.

'We will not let anyone rob the mandate of the GB people,' he declared.

Mr Iqbal said that GB had acquired great significance in the region due to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) which was now a 'jugular vein' for the country.

The elections on 24 general seats of the GB Legislative Assembly are scheduled to be held on Aug 18. The five-year term of the previous assembly ended on June 24, bringing an end to the five-year rule of the PML-N.

The PML-N leader said GB was a 'sensitive area' and a flashpoint in the region as the enemies were looking for excuses to spoil the law and order situation. He expressed the hope that the federal government would realise the importance of the peace in the region and would not make any attempt to rig the elections.

Mr Iqbal lauded the performance of former GB chief minister Hafeezur Rahman, saying the previous PML-N government during its five-year rule restored peace and law and order as not a single incident of sectarian violence was reported from the area. Moreover, he said the PML-N government in GB had set an...