Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has alleged that its Khyber Pakhtunkhwa president and Member of National Assembly Junaid Akbar, along with several party lawmakers, were taken into custody in Gilgit-Baltistan.
According to party statements, the incident occurred at a check post while the group was returning from Ghizer district. The party said officials detained them during movement within the region.
PTI claimed that multiple lawmakers, including MNAs Saleemur Rehman, Amjad Ali Khan, Syed Mehboob Shah, and MPA Naeem, were also part of the group.
The party stated that the individuals were later taken to Gilgit. A video shared by PTI showed several individuals seated inside a vehicle with a uniformed official visible nearby.
PTI reaction and political allegations
PTI leaders strongly criticized the alleged arrests and termed the action politically motivated.
Former opposition leader Omar Ayub condemned the incident, stating that the arrests reflect attempts to restrict political activity and electoral fairness.
He argued that such actions undermine democratic norms and public representation. He further claimed that political pressure is increasing ahead of electoral developments in Gilgit-Baltistan.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa leadership response
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi also reacted strongly. He warned that if the detained leaders were not released, he would personally intervene and raise the issue with authorities in Gilgit-Baltistan.
He stated that such actions were damaging national unity and increasing political divisions. He further alleged that elected representatives were being denied equal political space.
Afridi also claimed that administrative decisions were being used to limit political movement and participation.
PTI’s position on travel restrictions
Junaid Akbar earlier shared that PTI workers and supporters had reached Ghizer for a scheduled rally. He said the rally was part of ongoing political activities ahead of the upcoming elections in Gilgit-Baltistan.
He further stated that the group was initially stopped by authorities on the grounds of lacking permission or a no-objection certificate (NOC).
Akbar questioned the requirement, stating that citizens should not face restrictions on movement within the country. He raised concerns over what he described as administrative hurdles.
He also alleged that such measures were politically driven and aimed at limiting participation in the electoral process.
Continued political escalation
In follow-up statements, PTI leadership maintained that the detention reflects wider political tensions in the region. The party argued that restrictions on movement and assembly are affecting the electoral environment.
Leaders warned that continued detentions could further deepen political divides. They also called for transparency and equal political rights for all parties participating in upcoming elections.
Conclusion
The alleged arrest of PTI leaders in Gilgit-Baltistan has intensified political debate ahead of regional elections. While PTI claims unlawful detention, authorities have yet to issue a detailed official response regarding the incident.
