Polling begins across Gilgit-Baltistan on Sunday. Voters head to polls for the region’s fourth general election, crucial for shaping its political future.
Voting runs from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with 396 candidates contesting in 24 constituencies for seats in the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly.
The Election Commission confirms all arrangements are complete. Over 958,000 registered voters will cast ballots at 1,368 polling stations, including 551 highly sensitive ones.
Official figures state 958,480 voters are eligible, with 503,772 men and 454,708 women. Campaigning concluded after weeks of rallies and outreach drives by political parties and independent candidates.
Party-wise, the PPP fields candidates in 23 constituencies, while the PML-N contests 22 seats. The Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party enters 15 constituencies, with the Pakistan Nazriyati Party contesting 10 seats. Another 11 candidates from the PML are also in race.
Nineteen candidates affiliated with PTI run as independents, alongside 266 independent candidates. Eight women candidates vie for election.
Extensive security measures implemented to ensure peaceful polling. Over 3,500 police deployed in Gilgit constituencies alone, with additional monitoring at sensitive and highly sensitive stations.
Elections seen as key test for region’s political landscape, with outcome influencing governance, development priorities, and stability over coming years.