Gilgit-Baltistan Elections: Polling Begins for 24 Assembly Seats
News Desk
Gilgit: Polling is underway across Gilgit-Baltistan for the region’s fourth general elections, with voters casting ballots to elect representatives for 24 seats in the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly.
Voting began at 8am on Sunday and will continue until 5pm without interruption.
According to the Election Commission, more than 958,000 registered voters are eligible to participate in the electoral process.
A total of 396 candidates are contesting the elections, representing various political parties as well as independent groups. Authorities completed election and security preparations ahead of polling day, while law enforcement agencies conducted flag marches across different districts to demonstrate readiness and ensure a peaceful environment.
Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Election Commissioner Raja Shahbaz visited several polling stations to inspect arrangements and monitor the voting process. Speaking to the media, he said polling had started on time throughout the region and was progressing smoothly, adding that voters were participating enthusiastically and turning out in significant numbers.
Read More: https://thepenpk.com/396-candidates-24-seats-gb-set-for-crucial-elections-tomorrow/
The Election Commission has established 1,391 polling stations across Gilgit-Baltistan. Of these, 488 have been declared normal, 349 sensitive, and 551 highly sensitive. Diamer district has the highest number of highly sensitive polling stations, with 119 out of its 174 polling locations falling into that category.
The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has fielded the largest number of candidates, with 23 contenders in the race. It is followed by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) with 22 candidates and 19 independent candidates backed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
Other parties participating include the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP), Pakistan Nazriyati Party (PNP), Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), Islami Tehreek Pakistan (ITP), Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM), Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P), and the Awami Workers Party (AWP).
Authorities have deployed extensive security personnel to safeguard the electoral process. Security duties are being performed by local police, Gilgit-Baltistan Scouts, and contingents from Punjab and Sindh police, with additional forces stationed at sensitive polling stations and vulnerable locations.
Gilgit-Baltistan Inspector General of Police Nasir Akbar Khan said more than 17,500 security personnel have been deployed across the region. He said police, Rangers, and other law enforcement agencies remain on high alert to ensure peaceful and transparent elections.
Election officials expressed confidence that polling would continue smoothly throughout the day, enabling voters across the mountainous region to exercise their democratic right in a secure environment.
