Skardu: The Election Commission of Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) has completed hearings on election objections and requests for vote recounts in seven constituencies and has reserved its decision, which is expected to be announced later today.
The hearings were conducted by Chief Election Commissioner Raja Shehbaz, who reviewed petitions challenging election results as well as applications seeking recounts of votes in the affected constituencies.
Following the completion of arguments from all concerned parties, the Election Commission reserved its judgment. The decision is likely to determine the final outcome in several closely contested seats and could have an important impact on the political landscape of Gilgit-Baltistan.
Results Withheld After June 7 Elections
After the June 7 Gilgit-Baltistan elections, the Election Commission withheld results in seven constituencies due to objections and disputes raised by candidates and political parties regarding the vote count and election process.
The commission’s review process was initiated to ensure transparency and address concerns before issuing official final results.
Political observers have been closely monitoring the proceedings because the final decisions could influence party positions in the newly elected assembly and affect efforts to form the next government in the region.
Constituencies Under Review
The constituencies whose results were withheld by the Election Commission include several seats won by candidates from different political parties as well as independents, according to preliminary and unofficial results.
GBA-19 Ghizer II
According to the unofficial results, Abdul Jahan of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) was declared successful in the constituency.
GBA-19 Ghizer I
The seat was reportedly won by Syed Jalal Shah of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP).
GBA-3 Gilgit III
Independent candidate Sohail Abbas emerged victorious based on the preliminary vote count.
GBA-10 Skardu IV
The unofficial results showed Raja Nasir Ali Khan of the Pakistan Peoples Party securing victory.
GBA-15 Diamer I
Independent candidate Muhammad Dil Pazeer was declared the winner in the provisional results.
GBA-5 Nagar I
The constituency was reportedly won by Zulfiqar Ali Murad of the Pakistan Peoples Party.
The Election Commission’s forthcoming verdict will determine whether these preliminary outcomes are upheld or whether recounts and further proceedings will alter the final results.
Political Significance
The delayed announcement of results in these constituencies comes at a crucial time as political parties continue efforts to secure support for government formation in Gilgit-Baltistan.
Recent political developments have already attracted considerable attention. The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) reportedly decided to sit in the opposition, while Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif invited the Pakistan Peoples Party to form the government in the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly. Reports also indicated that the PML-N had agreed to support the PPP’s efforts to establish a government in the region.
Given the importance of every seat in determining the balance of power, the Election Commission’s decisions could influence the final composition of the assembly and strengthen or weaken the position of various political groups.
Awaiting Final Outcome
Candidates, political parties, and voters are now awaiting the Election Commission’s ruling, which is expected to provide clarity regarding the disputed constituencies. The announcement will help finalize the election results and pave the way for the completion of the government formation process in Gilgit-Baltistan.
With hearings concluded and the verdict reserved, attention remains focused on the Election Commission, whose decision will determine the official status of the contested seats and shape the next phase of the region’s political transition.
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