Polling began across Gilgit-Baltistan on Sunday for the Gilgit-Baltistan Elections 2026, with voters casting ballots to elect representatives for 24 seats in the regional assembly.
According to the Election Commission, voting started at 8am and will continue until 5pm without a break. A total of 958,480 registered voters are eligible to take part in the election.
More than 400 candidates are contesting the polls. The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has fielded 23 candidates, followed by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) with 22 candidates. Nineteen independent candidates backed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) are also in the race.
Authorities completed all electoral and security preparations ahead of polling day. Law enforcement agencies conducted flag marches in several areas to demonstrate readiness and maintain public order.
Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Election Commissioner Raja Shahbaz visited multiple polling stations to review arrangements and monitor the voting process. Speaking to reporters, he said polling started on time across the region and was proceeding smoothly. He added that voters were participating enthusiastically and turning out in significant numbers.
The Election Commission established 1,391 polling stations across Gilgit-Baltistan. Of these, 488 have been classified as normal, 349 as sensitive and 551 as highly sensitive.
Gilgit district has 253 polling stations, including 154 highly sensitive locations. Ghizer has 207 polling stations, while Nagar has 85. Hunza has 88 polling stations, and Astore has 108.
In Baltistan division, Skardu has 208 polling stations, Shigar 71, Kharmang 43 and Ghanche 154. Diamer has 174 polling stations, including 119 highly sensitive stations, the highest number among all districts.
Several other political parties are also participating in the elections. The Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) has fielded 15 candidates, the Pakistan Nazriyati Party (PNP) 11, while Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) and Islami Tehreek Pakistan (ITP) have nominated nine candidates each. Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM) has fielded seven candidates, while Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) and Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) have nominated six candidates each. The Awami Workers Party (AWP) has entered four candidates in the contest.
Authorities have put extensive security measures in place to ensure peaceful and transparent polling. Personnel from the local police, Gilgit-Baltistan Scouts, and contingents from Punjab and Sindh police have been deployed across the region.
Additional security personnel have been stationed at vulnerable locations, while law enforcement agencies and district administrations remain on high alert throughout the election process.
Inspector General of Police Nasir Akbar Khan said more than 17,500 security personnel have been deployed for election duties. He added that police, Rangers and other security agencies are fully alert, with extra force assigned to sensitive polling stations.
Election officials expressed confidence that the voting process would remain peaceful, transparent and orderly throughout the day.
