Gilgit: Polling is underway across Gilgit-Baltistan as voters cast their ballots to elect members of the 24-seat Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly, with the outcome expected to determine the region’s next governing political force.
Voting began amid tight security arrangements and is scheduled to continue without interruption until 5:00 p.m. Local residents turned out early at polling stations, reflecting significant public interest in the election.
More Than 958,000 Registered Voters
According to the Election Commission, a total of 958,480 registered voters are eligible to participate in the election.
To facilitate voting, authorities have established 1,391 polling stations across all districts of Gilgit-Baltistan.
Election officials have classified:
- 349 polling stations as sensitive
- 551 polling stations as highly sensitive
Special security measures have been implemented at these locations to ensure a peaceful electoral process.
Over 400 Candidates in the Race
More than 400 candidates are contesting the 24 assembly seats, representing a mix of major political parties and independent groups.
Among the participating parties:
- Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP): 23 candidates
- Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N): 22 candidates
- Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP): 15 candidates
- Pakistan Muslim League (PML): 11 candidates
- Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-F (JUI-F): 9 candidates
- Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM): 7 candidates
- Jamaat-e-Islami: 6 candidates
- Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM): 6 candidates
In addition, 266 independent candidates are contesting from various constituencies, making the election highly competitive.
Heavy Security Deployed
Authorities have put in place extensive security arrangements to maintain law and order during polling.
Personnel from:
- Local police
- Gilgit-Baltistan Scouts
- Punjab Police
have been deployed across the region.
Law enforcement agencies also conducted flag marches in several constituencies before polling day to reassure voters and demonstrate preparedness.
Officials say all necessary measures have been taken to ensure that voters can cast their ballots safely and freely.
Key Constituencies to Watch
Several constituencies are expected to witness closely contested races involving prominent political figures.
GBA-1 Gilgit
A tough contest is anticipated among:
- PPP candidate Amjad Hussain
- PML-N candidate Shafiq-ud-Din
- IPP candidate Sultan Raees
- Independent candidate Asif Usmani
GBA-2 Gilgit
Another closely watched constituency features:
- PML-N’s Hafeez Hafeezur Rehman
- PPP’s Jameel Ahmed
- IPP’s Fatehullah
- Independent candidate Atiq Pirzada
GBA-18 Diamer
Former Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister and IPP candidate Gulbar Khan is facing PML-N’s Kifayat-ur-Rehman in what is expected to be one of the most significant contests of the election.
GBA-19 Ghizer
Important candidates include:
- Independent candidate Nawaz Khan Naji
- PPP candidate Jalal Shah
- PML-N candidate Zafar Muhammad
GBA-13 Astore
The constituency is witnessing competition among:
- Independent candidate Shahida Khurshid
- PML-N candidate Rana Farman Ali
- PPP candidate Fahad Hanif
Political Stakes High
The election is being viewed as a crucial political test for the major national parties seeking to strengthen their influence in the strategically important mountainous region.
With a large number of independents in the race and several constituencies expected to produce close results, political observers believe coalition-building could play a significant role after the final results are announced.
Results Expected After Polling Ends
Polling will continue until 5:00 p.m., after which vote counting will begin at polling stations.
Election authorities are expected to release preliminary results later in the evening, while official consolidated results may take additional time.
The outcome will determine the composition of the next Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly and shape the region’s political direction for the coming years.
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