Senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader and former National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser has alleged that he was stopped and briefly detained while attempting to travel to Gilgit-Baltistan for an election campaign visit.
According to PTI leaders, Asad Qaiser was scheduled to depart from Islamabad International Airport on a flight to Skardu. However, the party claimed that access routes leading to the airport were unexpectedly blocked and security measures were intensified, creating major disruptions for travelers.
The reported restrictions caused severe traffic congestion around the airport. Long lines of vehicles were seen on roads leading to the terminal, while many passengers struggled to reach their flights on time.
Several travelers reported lengthy delays and heavy traffic during the morning hours. Some passengers allegedly missed their flights due to the congestion, while others were forced to walk considerable distances to reach the terminal because vehicles were stuck in gridlock.
PTI alleged that Asad Qaiser was prevented from entering the airport and was held for a short period until after his scheduled flight had departed. Party leaders described the incident as politically motivated and accused authorities of deliberately obstructing his movement ahead of the upcoming Gilgit-Baltistan elections.
According to PTI, the party’s candidates and leaders are facing difficulties while conducting election-related activities in the region. The party argued that other political groups are continuing their campaigns without similar restrictions.
The airport disruption also affected ordinary citizens who were traveling through Islamabad International Airport. Many commuters experienced delays due to road blockages, traffic jams, and enhanced security arrangements around the airport area.
Passengers expressed frustration over the situation, as the congestion created uncertainty for those attempting to catch domestic and international flights. The traffic buildup reportedly stretched across major access roads connected to the airport.
So far, government authorities have not issued an official statement regarding the allegations made by PTI. There has also been no formal response to claims that Asad Qaiser was detained or prevented from boarding his flight.
The incident has sparked political debate and drawn attention on social media, where supporters and critics have shared differing views on the situation. Meanwhile, questions remain about the circumstances that led to the airport disruption and whether any further clarification will be provided by officials.
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As the Gilgit-Baltistan election campaign continues, the controversy surrounding the airport incident is likely to remain a topic of discussion in political circles.
