Political Tensions Rise Ahead of PTI Rally in Gilgit-Baltistan, Allegations of Blockades and Unrest

Islamabad:As the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) gears up for a major rally in Gilgit-Baltistan on November 24, political tensions in the region have escalated. The former Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan has leveled serious allegations against the provincial government, accusing it of intentionally creating obstacles to block the Karakoram Highway at several locations in an attempt to disrupt the rally.

The former CM claimed that it was the first time in the region’s history that roads were being blocked despite there being no natural disasters or heavy rainfall. He accused the government of orchestrating landslides along the highway under the pretext of safety, even resorting to blasting the roads to prevent PTI workers from attending the rally. He further claimed that the Gilgit-Shandur road had been shut down under the guise of construction work, and there were reports of vehicles being sealed in the Astore district.

Ali Taj, the central spokesperson for PTI, confirmed that at the Manawar checkpoint, passenger vehicles were being subjected to rigorous searches, causing severe inconvenience to travelers. He denounced these measures as cowardly and authoritarian, asserting that such tactics would not demoralize PTI workers. Taj also condemned the government’s actions, alleging that the administration, fearing the historic PTI convoy in Gilgit-Baltistan, had resorted to violent tactics, including bombing and blocking the Karakoram Highway at Tatta Pani.

PTI leadership has also strongly condemned the provincial government’s decision to evict Gilgit-Baltistan students from hostels in Islamabad, calling it an example of fascist governance. Ali Taj stated that a recent confirmation from the KKH police post indicated that the Karakoram Highway was still closed for all traffic at Tatta Pani.

In response, the spokesperson for the provincial government, Faizullah Faraq, rejected these accusations. He clarified that a temporary landslide had caused a brief closure of the highway in the Diamer district. He added that, under the instructions of Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan, heavy machinery had been deployed, and a passage was quickly cleared for small vehicles. Faraq also claimed that no roads in Gilgit-Baltistan had been closed due to protests, and no blasting had taken place.

The government spokesperson criticized the PTI leadership, accusing them of issuing irresponsible statements from the comfort of their offices in Peshawar. He further dismissed the notion that any obstruction had been caused by the government, attributing the claims to the former Chief Minister’s attempt to deflect from his own political shortcomings. Faraq suggested that the people of Gilgit-Baltistan were not interested in supporting what he termed a “divisive” political call.

The growing political conflict has heightened tensions in Gilgit-Baltistan, with the opposition accusing the government of adopting authoritarian tactics, while the government defends its actions, calling the opposition’s claims baseless. Meanwhile, in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, business activities have been significantly disrupted ahead of the PTI’s protest call, with major roads, public transport, and the Faiz Interchange being blocked. Law enforcement agencies are on high alert to manage any potential unrest.