Karachi: The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has raised concerns over Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s forthcoming visit to Gilgit-Baltistan, scheduled for May 7, 2026, ahead of the regional elections set for June 7, 2026. The visit is intended for a laptop distribution ceremony at Karakorum University, but PPP leaders argue that it could compromise the integrity of the upcoming elections.

According to Pakistan Peoples Party, Syed Nayyer Hussain Bukhari, the Secretary General of the PPP Parliamentarians, criticized the visit, stating that the planned event by the Prime Minister’s party, Pakistan Muslim League-N, conflicts with the principles of free, fair, and transparent elections. Bukhari emphasized that the Constitution of Pakistan and electoral laws prohibit activities that could jeopardize the transparency of the electoral process.

Bukhari further pointed out that the No Objection Certificate (NOC) issued by the Election Commission of Gilgit-Baltistan does not adequately consider constitutional and legal frameworks. He reiterated the PPP’s commitment to upholding the Constitution and the rule of law, urging the Election Commission to ensure an unbiased electoral environment.

He insisted that the presence of the Prime Minister and federal ministers in the region during this period constitutes a violation of constitutional norms, legal standards, and the Code of Conduct. In light of these concerns, Bukhari demanded that the laptop distribution ceremony be postponed until after the elections, advocating for a rescheduling to maintain election integrity.