Summary A close contest is expected among the PML-N, the PPP, and other political parties.
- PPP's Bilawal and PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif held public rallies to woo voters.
- A total of 958,780 registered voters were eligible to cast their ballots, including 503,772 male and over 455,000 female voters.
GILGIT (Dunya News) – Polling for the Gilgit-Baltistan elections on 24 seats concluded peacefully on schedule, with voting continuing uninterrupted from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm across all constituencies.
No major incidents or disruptions were reported during the polling process, and vote counting is currently underway.
A close contest is expected among the PML-N, the PPP, and other political parties. The PPP has fielded 23 candidates, while the PML-N has 22 candidates in the race.
The Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam has fielded 9 candidates, Islami Tehreek Pakistan 10 candidates, Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen 7 candidates, and the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party 15 candidates.
In addition, the Pakistan Nazriyati Party has fielded 10 candidates in the election.
A total of 958,780 registered voters were eligible to cast their ballots, including 503,772 male and over 455,000 female voters. The electorate is choosing representatives from among 396 candidates, with a significant number of independents participating alongside seven women candidates.
STRINGENT SECURITY MEASURES
Security remained on high alert throughout the polling day, with approximately 17,500 police personnel deployed across the region, while the Pakistan Army and other law enforcement agencies remained on standby to respond to any emergency situation. Authorities had previously categorized 154 polling stations as highly sensitive and 48 as sensitive, ensuring enhanced monitoring and security arrangements.
In Gilgit Constituency-I, where 23 candidates contested, a total of 80 polling stations were set up to facilitate 47,373 registered voters. Similarly, Constituency-II witnessed 40 candidates competing for 55,849 votes, while Constituency-III recorded the highest competition with 122 candidates contesting for 52,161 registered voters.
Across all constituencies, 2,447 polling booths were established to ensure smooth facilitation of voters. Election materials, including ballot papers and boxes, were delivered to respective polling stations ahead of time.
SENSITIVE, HIGHLY SENSITIVE POLLING STATIONS
The Election Commission has set up a total of 1,391 polling stations across Gilgit-Baltistan, categorised as 488 normal, 349 sensitive, and 551 highly sensitive.
District-wise data shows that Gilgit has 253 polling stations, including 51 normal, 48 sensitive, and 154 highly sensitive stations.
Ghizer comprises 207 polling stations, with 83 normal, 52 sensitive, and 69 highly sensitive, while Nagar has 85 polling stations, including 28 normal, 39 sensitive, and 18 highly sensitive.
In Hunza, 88 polling stations have been established, of which 33 are normal, 31 sensitive, and 24 highly sensitive.
Skardu has 208 polling stations, including 88 normal, 51 sensitive, and 69 highly sensitive, whereas Shigar has 71 polling stations, comprising 31 normal, 23 sensitive, and 17 highly sensitive.
Kharmang district has 43 polling stations, including 12 normal, 10 sensitive, and 21 highly sensitive, while Ghanche has 154 polling stations, with 89 normal, 39 sensitive, and 26 highly sensitive.
Astore has 108 polling stations, including 40 normal, 34 sensitive, and 34 highly sensitive.
Diamer district has 174 polling stations, of which 33 are normal, 22 sensitive, and 119 highly sensitive — the highest number of highly sensitive stations among all districts.
REGISTERED VOTERS
Election Commission figures show that 958,780 registered voters are eligible to cast their ballots, including 503,772 male voters and more than 455,000 female voters. The electorate will choose representatives from among 396 candidates, of whom 266 are contesting as independents, alongside seven women candidates participating in the race.
To facilitate the voting process, 2,447 polling booths have been set up across all constituencies. Security has been placed on high alert, with around 17,500 police personnel deployed to maintain order, while the Pakistan Army and other law enforcement agencies remain on standby to respond to any emergency situation.
The Election Commission has reiterated that all administrative and logistical measures are in place to support fair and transparent polling as citizens prepare to head to the booths across Gilgit-Baltistan.
ELECTION COMMISSIONER SEES HIGH VOTER TURNOUT
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Raja Shahbaz Khan observed strong voter activity across Gilgit-Baltistan, saying that women voters are also actively participating in the electoral process.
Talking to a news channel, he said he has been visiting multiple polling stations to ensure the smooth conduct of the electoral process.
He noted that he has so far visited around ten polling stations, where security arrangements are satisfactory and the overall polling environment is being maintained in a well-organized manner.
He said women are turning out in large numbers at women polling stations, which reflects strong public awareness about the importance of exercising their democratic right.
He expressed satisfaction over the active participation of voters and appreciated the positive response from the public.
He added that all political parties are participating peacefully in the electoral process, which is encouraging for democratic stability.
CEC further said that voters are coming out with enthusiasm, contributing to a positive and participatory atmosphere across polling stations.
He assured that the elections will remain transparent, peaceful and orderly, with all necessary arrangements in place to facilitate voters and ensure a fair polling process.
