Punjab authorities have approved the deployment of 6,000 police personnel to Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) to assist in security arrangements ahead of the upcoming elections scheduled for June 7.

According to official memos, the initial approval covered 5,000 personnel, which was later increased by an additional 1,000 officers, bringing the total to 6,000.These personnel will be placed at the disposal of the Gilgit-Baltistan police to ensure law and order during the electoral process.

The deployed force is expected to be equipped with anti-riot gear, reflecting concerns about maintaining peace during the politically sensitive polling period.Transport arrangements are also being coordinated by Punjab’s motor transport department, which will ensure the use of fitness-certified buses.

Each transport unit is to be escorted by armed police personnel for added security, and drivers have been instructed to be familiar with the challenging terrain en route to GB.Meanwhile, political tensions have risen as Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has alleged “systematic pre-poll rigging” ahead of the elections.PTI leaders claim that state resources are being misused to influence the electoral process and suppress opposition voices.The party has also criticised the Gilgit-Baltistan Election Commission, accusing it of biased actions and selective enforcement of electoral rules.

Furthermore, PTI has alleged that government ministers have been active in the region to influence local administration, while their own leaders face restrictions and, in some cases, expulsion from GB during campaign activities.

The government, however, has not issued a detailed rebuttal to these allegations in the report, while election preparations continue amid heightened political activity and concerns over electoral fairness in the region.