Punjab approved the deployment of 6,000 police personnel for security at the GB polls ahead of the June 7 Gilgit-Baltistan elections.
Official sources said Punjab authorities first approved 5,000 personnel, then added 1,000 more for election duties.
A memo from the Punjab Additional Inspector General (Operations) said the personnel would support the Gilgit-Baltistan Police. The memo said the force would carry anti-riot gear during deployment. It also ordered armed police escorts for buses carrying the personnel to Gilgit-Baltistan.
The Motor Transport Department’s Senior Superintendent of Police will arrange roadworthy buses with valid fitness certificates.
Read: Gilgit-Baltistan Polls Set For June 7 Vote
Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Election Commissioner Raja Shahbaz Khan said all political parties were violating the election code of conduct.
He warned that candidates could face disqualification for code violations. Khan said Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leaders had failed to obtain the required no-objection certificates and were circulating provocative content.
PTI leaders Asad Qaiser and Junaid Akbar have accused authorities of obstructing their campaign activities.
Khan rejected the allegations and said police had not arrested any PTI member in connection with those claims. He said cases would be registered against anyone obstructing the election process.
Khan also said federal ministers, chief ministers and governors cannot take part in election campaigns under the Election Act.
He said a letter from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi to the Supreme Appellate Court of Gilgit-Baltistan had no legal standing.
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari was expected in Skardu to launch the Pakistan Peoples Party campaign, while Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz leaders also planned public gatherings.
