Opinions: Election 2026 in Hunza and Gilgit-Baltistan

By Fazal Amin Beg

From the outset, let me place my disclaimer here: I have no affiliation with any political party in Pakistan. For over three decades, I have supported competent candidates in Hunza whether from the PML, PPP, PTI, AWP, or as independents. I have always voted according to my informed conscience, putting Hunza and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) first, especially since our region is not a constitutional part of Pakistan.

However, everything changed after the unlawful removal of PM Imran Khan in April 2022 by military generals under Qamar Bajwa. As a researcher who has spent over thirty years studying applied development, human rights, and anthropology, I emerged as a staunch supporter of the legendary leader Imran Khan. I stand firmly with him and all those unlawfully kidnapped and imprisoned across the country. Let me now return to our main discussion.

The corrupt practices running rampant in Punjab and Sindh are now being forced upon our beautiful Gilgit-Baltistan. We have all witnessed how corrupt military generals and the chiefs of the ISI and MI using puppet political leaders as facilitators, have already launched campaigns for their sellout candidates in Hunza and Gilgit-Baltistan.

We are just two days away from the so-called GB election 2026. It is imperative that we wake up, think deeply, and raise a couple of genuine questions so that we can brace ourselves for the storm entering our thresholds.

In this suffocating, suppressed, and exclusive environment, can anyone seriously expect a truly democratic election that reflects our real aspirations?

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) under PM Imran Khan is the only truly representative and inclusive political party in the country, backed by over 90% of our people. Yet, the establishment continues to smash it. Its key central and provincial leaders have been banned or deported from Gilgit-Baltistan, completely violating our shared norms, values, and customary laws. In the face of such blatant pre-poll rigging and suppression, can we expect a free, fair, and just result? The answer is a resounding no.

I must also ask a direct question to all party leaders in GB, whether indigenous or outsiders: why did you fail to condemn the malicious and unjust actions of the local administration? They acted as puppets for the monstrous secret agencies and military generals to deport and ban PTI leaders from Gilgit-Baltistan. All native, sensible people of GB feel humiliated by how our guests were treated when they entered our region. Did any of you bother to apologize to them? Or are you simply happy that the playing field has been cleared for you in this military-led jungle?

Now, it is up to our people, especially the youth (Gen-Y and Gen-Z) of Gilgit-Baltistan and my gorgeous Hunza Valley (Constituency 6) to courageously flood the polling stations on June 7. You know exactly who the genuine candidates are. You know who refuses to be a hateful tool for the military generals, the ISI, the MI, and the civilian administration.

The monsters described above have deprived the proud, highly educated, and brave populace of Hunza and Gilgit-Baltistan of their rights. Our youth must respond tit-for-tat with their votes. It is critical that you fully guard the results on Form-45 at every single polling station. Take photos, keep copies, and make them public on social media immediately. We know the vultures will try to manipulate the results, but the youth must stand as the ultimate shield against them.

I am hopeful that PTI will achieve an incredible victory. The name of our abducted but genuine hero, Imran Khan, is powerful enough to carry every single candidate in every constituency across Gilgit-Baltistan.

In our own constituency of Hunza, many serious candidates have stepped onto the landscape. Some are my near and dear ones, my relatives, and my friends. I respect them all and appreciate their determination. Nonetheless, I earnestly request our sensible youth to rise above local biases and fully support Mr. Naiknam Karim of Central Hunza as the genuine candidate representing PM Imran Khan.

Naiknam Karim is a humane, mature, and highly competent candidate who has been deeply embedded in ecotourism development for three decades. Through his hands-on experience, he understands the climate menace threatening humanity. Furthermore, as a foreign university graduate in environmental studies, he is uniquely qualified to drive holistic development in Gilgit-Baltistan and the Hunza Valley if given the chance by your votes.

For the constituency in Nagar, I was incredibly encouraged to hear about a highly competent candidate, Dr. Ali Muhammad, who holds a PhD from abroad. I earnestly request the people of Nagar, especially my sensible fraternity members, to support him fully. We desperately need candidates of his caliber to serve our mountain communities.

In the constituency of Punyal and Ishkoman, Mr. Nawaz Khan Naji must be supported once again. He remains a powerful voice for GB’s rights and a beacon of hope for us all. Unfortunately, Comrade Baba Jan Hunzai was intentionally and technically forced out of the race. I hope the youth of Ishkoman Valley will rally behind Mr. Nawaz Khan Naji. While Syed Jalaluddin and other young candidates show promise and will learn to strategize for the future, the current vulnerable national and regional situation demands that Naji be brought back for effective advocacy.

In Central Gilgit, Mr. Atiq and Col. Ubaidullah Baig are effective options. Col. Ubaidullah Baig is an honest candidate who has already been tested and trusted by PTI.

In Astore, I fully trust that the respected mother of former CM Muhammad Khalid Khurshid Khan will receive overwhelming support. It is deeply inspiring to witness her devotion, courage, and enthusiasm to contest this open election. I hope her bravery paves the way for more competent women to contest open seats in the next elections.

I am confident that in all 24 constituencies of Gilgit-Baltistan, the contesting candidates based on their overall merits  such as honesty, sincerity, and service delivery to their peoples, as well as competence and past voluntary contributions will be elected fairly. Special attention is also needed in Baltistan and Diamer regions to ensure the notorious elements of secret and military agencies are fully curbed and they do not influence or manipulate the electoral process at all.

In conclusion, I anticipate a clean sweep for PTI in the 2026 GB election, provided the cancerous elements mentioned above are stopped from using unlawful means and corruption. Let us dream and hope that this election concludes peacefully, fairly, and inclusively. The public servants, whose salaries are paid by our taxes, must learn to serve the public as obedient, lawful servants and never again act as lords and dictators under Asim Munir.