Chief Election Commissioner of Gilgit-Baltistan region Raja Shahbaz Khan on Monday dismissed criticism against Prime Minister Imran Khan over attending and addressing the Azadi parade on the 73rd independence day of the region just ahead of elections.

Speaking to Geo Pakistan, Raja Shahbaz said the prime minister did not participate in a political gathering but in the independence day celebrations. Therefore, no violation of election rules has taken place, he asserted.

Khan had come under scrutiny for addressing a rally on Sunday where he announced provisional-provincial status for GB. He, however, declined to announce any development package for the region owing to the Election Commission’s restriction due to the upcoming elections.

PPP Parliamentary Leader in the Senate Sherry Rehman on Sunday had accused the premier of violating the code of conduct and urged the CEC to take notice. In a tweet, she said:

"Federal minister Gandapur has been illegally visiting and campaigning in GB. This is an open violation of election rules in GB where he is also announcing the creation of districts, tehsils, and development projects during public gatherings, never allowed after the election schedule announced."

"PPP had also filed a petition in the GB chief court against violations in election rules," claimed Sherry and added, "but instead of waiting for the court to rule on Monday, the PM has decided to add to this flagrant rigging, misuse of federal resources by landing in GB to the campaign."