PTI rejects G-B poll results, says will hold protests

ISLAMABAD: The opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Monday rejected the results of the June 7 elections in Gilgit-Baltistan, alleging widespread rigging and announcing a series of protests, including observance of a “Black Day” on the oath-taking of the incoming government and the preparation of a detailed white paper on the elections. Speaking at a press conference alongside senior party leaders, PTI acting chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan said the party did not accept what he termed “fake and rigged” elections, claiming that the electoral process had been undermined through pre-poll manipulation and exclusion of the party from fair competition. He said PTI would document its objections in a white paper to be issued soon and would also protest the formation of the new government in Gilgit-Baltistan. “We reject these elections, ” he said, adding that the party would observe a Black Day in the region on the day the new administration takes oath. Gohar alleged that PTI had been denied a level playing field throughout the electoral process and claimed that the party was “systematically excluded” under a planned scheme. He said such practices had weakened public confidence in the credibility of elections and democratic institutions. The PTI leader further repeated the party’s long-standing claim that around 70 percent of the country’s total population supports it, without offering evidence to substantiate the assertion. He said the party had received Form 47results from three constituencies and claimed early indications suggested PTI candidates were leading in several other seats. “We were winning 100 percent in eight seats for which we should have received Forms 47s, ” he said, referring to provisional result documentation issued at polling stations. Gohar alleged that manipulation of results and restrictions on voters’ ability to freely exercise their franchise amounted to a “conspiracy against democracy. ” He said denial of citizens’ right to vote freely undermined the legitimacy of elected institutions and eroded trust in the electoral process. He further alleged that pre-poll rigging had been carried out in Gilgit-Baltistan, saying PTI was not allowed to participate on equal terms. According to him, such practices had damaged democratic norms and contributed to political instability. Beyond allegations of electoral malpractice, Gohar said PTI remained committed to constitutionalism, democratic continuity and institutional strengthening. He said the party was “loyal to the country” and believed that sustainable progress depended on adherence to the rule of law and democratic principles. He added that political differences should not come at the cost of citizens’ rights or governance challenges, and stressed the need for transparency and institutional independence. He said democratic systems could only function effectively when voters were able to exercise their rights without pressure or interference. Gohar said political stability required safeguarding constitutional freedoms and ensuring that institutions operated independently and transparently. He added that the public expected political leaders to focus on economic pressures, governance concerns and social welfare rather than confrontation. He further said addressing national challenges required dialogue and cooperation among political stakeholders. According to him, an inclusive political environment was essential for restoring public confidence in democratic processes and strengthening long-term national cohesion. Reiterating PTI’s position, he said the party sought a system in which citizens’ voices were respected and their rights protected. Strengthening democratic processes, he added, would improve institutional credibility and contribute to economic and political stability. Gohar concluded by expressing hope that all political parties would work towards ensuring equal participation and respect for constitutional norms, saying that democratic continuity was essential for national stability. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

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