PPP alleges use of government machinery in Gilgit-Baltistan polls

Central Spokesperson of the Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarians (PPPP), Shazia Marri, has strongly condemned what she described as the use of federal government influence and state resources in the ongoing election campaign in Gilgit-Baltistan, warning that such practices could undermine the credibility of the electoral process.

In a statement, Marri alleged that the federal government was utilizing its influence and official resources to affect the outcome of the Gilgit-Baltistan elections.

She expressed concern over the active participation of federal ministers in the election campaign, saying that the use of government machinery for political purposes raises serious questions about the transparency and fairness of the electoral process.

The PPP spokesperson said that a level playing field for all political parties is essential to ensure free, fair and transparent elections in Gilgit-Baltistan. She maintained that any interference in the electoral process could cast doubt on the legitimacy of the polls.

Responding to recent discussions surrounding remarks made by PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Marri said his comments regarding Form 45 and Form 47 were being taken out of context. She clarified that Bilawal had merely reminded the public that the PPP believed nine of its seats had been taken away in the previous elections.

According to Marri, the PPP chairman had urged voters to safeguard their votes and preserve Form 45, which serves as the primary record of polling station results.

She stressed that when a valid Form 45 exists, there is no room for manipulation of the public mandate. She added that Form 45 forms the basis of election results, while Form 47 is issued subsequently as part of the official results compilation process.

Marri reiterated that the Pakistan Peoples Party has always remained committed to democratic principles and has never sought power through non-democratic means. “The PPP is a democratic party and has never requested power or selection from anyone,” she said.

Highlighting the party’s roots in Gilgit-Baltistan, Marri said the people of the region have placed their trust in the PPP for three generations. She recalled that Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto consistently championed the rights of marginalized and underprivileged communities.

She vowed that the PPP would continue its struggle for democratic values, public rights and the sanctity of the vote. Marri also noted that Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari is personally leading the party’s election campaign in Gilgit-Baltistan and is being accompanied by Aseefa Bhutto Zardari during campaign activities.