ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Saturday officially rejected India’s recent comments regarding the upcoming legislative elections in Gilgit-Baltistan, describing them as baseless propaganda aimed at interfering in Pakistan’s internal affairs.
The Foreign Office summoned a senior Indian diplomat to convey Pakistan’s strong protest. Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan stated that India’s remarks constitute a blatant violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“Gilgit-Baltistan is an integral part of Pakistan. Any attempt to question its governance or electoral process is unacceptable,” the spokesperson said in a detailed statement.
The upcoming elections in Gilgit-Baltistan are scheduled for late 2026. They will elect members to the Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly, which currently comprises 33 general seats, six reserved for women, and three for technocrats. Over 2.2 million registered voters are expected to participate across 10 districts.
Pakistan reaffirmed its longstanding position on Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). Officials stressed that the region remains a disputed territory whose final status must be determined through the right to self-determination of the Kashmiri people, as promised under relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions.
The Foreign Office highlighted that India continues to alter the demographic structure of IIOJK through illegal settlements and repressive measures. In contrast, Gilgit-Baltistan has seen significant development initiatives under the current government, including infrastructure projects linked to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Key CPEC-related projects in the region have already generated thousands of jobs and improved connectivity. Official figures indicate that power generation projects in Gilgit-Baltistan have added over 1,000 MW to the national grid in recent years, addressing chronic energy shortages.
Foreign Office sources said India’s comments reflect its frustration over Pakistan’s firm control and development efforts in the region. They dismissed claims of “demographic changes” in Gilgit-Baltistan as deliberate misinformation.
“India has no locus standi in matters concerning Gilgit-Baltistan,” the statement added.
The development comes amid heightened tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours. Diplomatic channels remain strained following India’s revocation of Article 370 in 2019, a move Pakistan has consistently challenged at international forums including the UN General Assembly and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.
Pakistan has repeatedly called for the implementation of UNSC resolutions on Kashmir, which envisage a plebiscite to ascertain the wishes of the Kashmiri people. Over 100,000 Kashmiris have reportedly lost their lives in the conflict since 1989, according to various human rights estimates.
Local leaders in Gilgit-Baltistan welcomed the government’s firm response. Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister expressed confidence that the elections would proceed smoothly and demonstrate the region’s commitment to democratic governance under Pakistan.
“People of Gilgit-Baltistan fully support Pakistan’s sovereignty and reject any external interference,” he said during a public address.
Analysts note that the electoral process in Gilgit-Baltistan has evolved since the region was granted provincial-like status through the Gilgit-Baltistan Empowerment and Self-Governance Order 2009, later strengthened by subsequent legislative reforms. Voter turnout in previous elections has consistently remained above 60 percent.
The rejection of Indian remarks also aligns with Pakistan’s broader diplomatic strategy to highlight the Kashmir dispute on international platforms. Islamabad has been actively engaging with key global stakeholders to draw attention to human rights violations in IIOJK, where strict security measures and communication blackouts have been reported periodically.
Economically, Gilgit-Baltistan contributes significantly through tourism, gemstones, and agriculture. The region attracts hundreds of thousands of domestic and international tourists annually, particularly to scenic valleys and mountain passes. Government data shows tourism revenue has grown steadily despite regional challenges.
Security officials confirmed that comprehensive arrangements are in place for peaceful conduct of the polls. The region has witnessed improved law and order due to coordinated efforts between federal and local authorities.
In the broader context, the latest diplomatic exchange underscores the persistent challenges in Pakistan-India relations. Trade between the two countries remains minimal, hovering below $300 million annually despite potential for much larger economic cooperation.
Observers suggest that India’s repeated attempts to internationalise its narrative on Gilgit-Baltistan stem from strategic concerns over CPEC, which passes through the region and connects Gwadar Port to China’s western provinces. The corridor has attracted over $65 billion in committed investments since its launch.
Pakistan maintains that CPEC projects are purely developmental and open for regional participation. However, India has opposed the initiative on grounds of sovereignty.
As preparations for Gilgit-Baltistan elections gain momentum, political parties have begun announcing their manifestos focusing on local issues such as health, education, tourism infrastructure, and hydropower development.
The government has assured transparent electoral oversight with the involvement of the Election Commission of Pakistan. International observers may be invited to witness the process, officials indicated.
The coming weeks are likely to see intensified diplomatic activity as Pakistan continues to counter what it calls Indian disinformation campaigns. The Foreign Office has directed all missions abroad to effectively project Pakistan’s position on the Kashmir dispute and developments in Gilgit-Baltistan.
This latest development reinforces Pakistan’s commitment to democratic processes in its territories while firmly opposing external interference in its constitutional matters. The situation remains under close watch as regional dynamics continue to evolve.