National ( The cow news digital ) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Suhail Afridi has formally appealed to the Chief Justice of the Supreme Appellate Court of Gilgit-Baltistan, urging judicial intervention to ensure the conduct of free, fair and transparent elections in the region.
In a letter addressed to the top judicial authority, Afridi expressed concern over reports regarding the prevailing electoral environment in Gilgit-Baltistan. According to the letter, information received from various sources suggests that restrictions are allegedly being imposed on the political activities, public gatherings and movement of leaders belonging to a particular political party.
The chief minister also voiced serious concern over incidents involving the alleged harassment and detention of political workers and leaders, as well as obstacles being placed in the way of lawful political activities. He warned that such developments could undermine the credibility and transparency of the electoral process, raising questions about the fairness of the upcoming polls.
Afridi emphasized that the Constitution of Pakistan guarantees every political party and citizen the right to participate in free, impartial and democratic elections. He stated that any deviation from constitutional protections and democratic norms would not only violate the spirit of the Constitution but also weaken public confidence in democratic institutions.
In his appeal, the chief minister requested the court to issue necessary directives to relevant authorities to safeguard the integrity of the election process. He called for immediate measures to prevent unlawful harassment and arrests of political workers and party leadership, while ensuring that all political parties are allowed to conduct election campaigns without interference.
The letter further urged authorities to take prompt action against any violations of constitutional and democratic rights during the election period. Afridi stressed that maintaining a level playing field for all political stakeholders is essential for preserving democratic values and ensuring public trust in the electoral system.
Highlighting the importance of judicial oversight, the chief minister said that the rule of law, protection of democratic principles and restoration of public confidence require timely guidance and intervention from the judiciary. He expressed hope that the court would play its role in upholding constitutional rights and ensuring a transparent electoral process in Gilgit-Baltistan.
