Vote counting in Gilgit-Baltistan elections has started after polling concluded in 24 constituencies of the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly.
The voting process began at 8am and continued without interruption until 5pm across all polling stations.
Election officials confirmed that the polling remained peaceful throughout the day. Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Election Commissioner Raja Shahbaz visited several polling stations to review arrangements and monitor the voting process.
Speaking to the media, he said the overall election process was completed in a calm and orderly environment, with a notably high turnout of women voters. He also said that law and order remained under control during the entire polling period.
The chief election commissioner added that he personally inspected polling stations and reviewed staff performance on the ground. He said polling staff and security personnel carried out their duties effectively and without major issues. Polling agents were also asked if they had any complaints during the process.
According to the Election Commission, a total of 1,391 polling stations were set up across Gilgit-Baltistan. These included 488 normal polling stations, 349 sensitive stations, and 551 highly sensitive stations.
District-wise details show Gilgit had 253 polling stations, Ghizer 207, Nagar 85, Hunza 88, Skardu 208, Shigar 71, Kharmang 43, Ghanche 154, and Astore 108, with varying levels of sensitivity assigned to each area.
Major political parties took part in the elections. The Pakistan Peoples Party fielded 23 candidates, followed by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz with 22 candidates. Independent candidates backed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf also contested 19 seats. Other parties, including IPP, JUI-F, MWM, Jamaat-e-Islami, MQM-P, and AWP, also participated with multiple candidates.
Security arrangements remained strict throughout the polling process. Authorities deployed police, Gilgit-Baltistan Scouts, and personnel from Punjab and Sindh police at polling stations and key locations.
Officials said more than 17,500 security personnel were deployed to ensure a peaceful election environment. Additional forces were placed at sensitive polling stations, and law enforcement agencies remained on high alert until the completion of voting.
