GILGIT: Voting is underway across Gilgit-Baltistan for the election of 24 seats in the regional assembly, with over 400 candidates contesting. Polling commenced at 8:00am and will continue uninterrupted until 5:00pm, according to the Election Commission.
More than 958,000 registered voters are eligible to cast their ballots in the elections. Authorities finalized electoral and security arrangements ahead of polling day, while law enforcement agencies conducted flag marches across several areas to ensure a peaceful environment.
Chief Election Commissioner Raja Shahbaz visited multiple polling stations to assess voting arrangements and monitor the electoral process. Speaking to reporters, he stated that polling began on schedule throughout the region and that voter participation has been encouraging, with citizens turning out enthusiastically to exercise their democratic rights.
A total of 1,391 polling stations have been established across Gilgit-Baltistan. Of these, 488 are categorized as normal, 349 as sensitive, and 551 as highly sensitive. Diamer district has the largest number of highly sensitive polling stations, with 119 out of its 174 stations falling into that category.
District-wise, polling stations have been distributed across Gilgit, Ghizer, Nagar, Hunza, Skardu, Shigar, Kharmang, Ghanche, Astore, and Diamer to facilitate voting across the region.
Among political parties, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has fielded the highest number of candidates, with 23 contestants. The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) follows with 22 candidates, while 19 independent candidates are backed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). Several other political and religious parties are also participating in the electoral contest.
Extensive security measures have been deployed to safeguard the polling process. Personnel from the local police, Gilgit-Baltistan Scouts, as well as additional contingents from Punjab and Sindh police, have been stationed at polling stations and other key locations to maintain law and order throughout election day.
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