Our Correspondent
Gilgit
The Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) Chief Court on Friday ordered federal ministers and government officials to leave the region in three days.
A two-member bench comprising Justice Malik Haq Nawaz and Justice Ali Baig announced the verdict on a writ petition filed over violation of the code of conduct ahead of the upcoming polls.
The court also directed Gilgit-Baltistan’s Chief Election Commissioner Raja Shahbaz Khan, Chief Minister, and Chief Secretary to implement the decision immediately. This development came as the opposition parties have been talking about the attempts to influence and rig the elections scheduled for November 15.
Meanwhile, addressing a press conference in Gilgit on Friday, Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Election Commissioner Raja Shahbaz Khan on Friday advised political leaders to go back instead of spoiling the atmosphere.
He directed the Returning Officers to keep their offices open round the clock. The CEC also summoned an all parties conference today and leaders of all political parties will come and give their suggestions.
He said that notices have also been issued to 41 candidates of Pakistan People’s Party, 30 candidates of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, three candidates of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam, six candidates of PML-Q, five candidates of Islami Tehreek, while 18 Independent candidates for violating elections rules.
The CEC went on to say that it was better for the political leaders to go back than to spoil the atmosphere in the area, adding that any candidate found using religious or sectarian card will be disqualified.
Raja Shahbaz further said that even US President Donald Trump levels allegations of rigging. “Prime Minister Imran Khan visited Gilgit-Baltistan to attend an event,” he said and added no violation of election rules has taken place during his visit.
“The RO doesn’t have the power and Diamer’s RO had issued a false circular against Ali Ameen Gandapur,” he added.
