Gilgit: With polling for the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly elections scheduled for June 7, authorities have completed all preparations and put strict security arrangements in place to ensure a peaceful electoral process across the region.
According to the final classification issued by the Election Commission, a total of 1,391 polling stations have been set up across Gilgit-Baltistan. Out of these, 488 are normal, 349 sensitive, and 551 highly sensitive due to security considerations.
District-wise details show that Gilgit has the highest number of polling stations at 253, followed by Skardu with 208, Ghizer with 207, Diamer with 174, and Ghanche with 154. Other districts include Astore with 108, Hunza with 88, Nagar with 85, Shigar with 71, and Kharmang with 43 polling stations.
Officials have confirmed that enhanced security measures have been deployed, particularly at sensitive and highly sensitive polling stations, to prevent any untoward incident during voting. Additional security personnel will be stationed at vulnerable locations, while law enforcement agencies and district administrations will remain on high alert throughout the election process.
The upcoming polls have also gained significant political attention due to the participation of several high-profile candidates, including former chief ministers, a former governor, and senior political figures and their family members.
Key contests include a closely watched battle between former Governor Raja Jalal Hussain Maqpoon and Tauqeer Mehdi Shah, son of current Governor Syed Mehdi Shah.
In another major constituency, former Chief Minister Hafiz Hafeezur Rehman will contest against Pakistan Peoples Party candidate Jameel Ahmed, while former Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan faces a multi-cornered contest involving candidates from PML-N, PPP, and independents.
Another high-profile race features Shahida Khurshid, mother of former Chief Minister Khalid Khurshid, who will contest against candidates from PML-N and PPP.
Meanwhile, the Election Commission has enforced a 48-hour ban on all political campaigning ahead of polling day, effective from midnight June 5, 2026, under Section 182 of the Elections Act 2017. During this period, all forms of political activities, including rallies, corner meetings, processions, and canvassing, have been strictly prohibited.
The Commission reiterated that strict action will be taken in case of violations and said all necessary arrangements have been made to ensure “peaceful, free, fair and transparent elections” in the region.
