Blocking One Party While Allowing Others Is Political Discrimination: Asad Qaiser

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders Asad Qaiser, Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar, and Noor-ul-Haq Qadri held a joint press conference in Islamabad, alleging that they were stopped from traveling to Gilgit-Baltistan while leaders of other political parties were allowed to reach Skardu.

Asad Qaiser said that Punjab police prevented him from traveling to Gilgit-Baltistan and questioned under what authority a sitting member of the National Assembly and former Speaker was stopped. He termed the action an example of political discrimination.

He added that Gilgit-Baltistan is a tourist region visited by people from around the world, and restricting one political party while allowing others amounts to unfair treatment. He urged the Chief Election Commissioner to ensure equal opportunities for all political parties, warning that failure to do so would undermine electoral fairness.

The PTI leader also criticized the treatment of party member Junaid Akbar, calling it unfortunate, and urged citizens of Gilgit-Baltistan to protect their vote and use it wisely in the upcoming elections.

Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar said that due to government actions, thousands of people were left waiting in extreme heat and several flights were also disrupted. He further criticized the government’s economic performance, stating that despite presenting its fifth budget, the public has not received relief, while sectors such as business, agriculture, and employment continue to struggle.

Noor-ul-Haq Qadri alleged that stopping Asad Qaiser from traveling to Gilgit-Baltistan amounted to pre-poll rigging. He also claimed attempts were being made to influence political loyalties in the region, while expressing confidence that the people of Gilgit-Baltistan would make independent decisions in the elections.