Gilgit-Baltistan General Elections 2026: 958,480 Voters Turn Out Under Tight Security with 17,500 Personnel Deployed

Gilgit-Baltistan went to the polls on Sunday as voting commenced across the region for 24 seats of the provincial assembly, with over 400 candidates vying for public office and comprehensive security measures in place to ensure a peaceful electoral process throughout the mountainous territory.

As per the Election Commission, polling opened at 8am and is scheduled to run uninterrupted until 5pm. A total of 958,480 registered voters are eligible to participate, with the commission having established 1,391 polling stations across all districts — of which 488 are classified as normal, 349 as sensitive, and 551 as highly sensitive.

Ahead of polling day, authorities completed all necessary electoral and security preparations. Law enforcement agencies conducted flag marches across various areas to signal readiness and reinforce public confidence in the process.

Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Election Commissioner Raja Shahbaz carried out an on-ground inspection of multiple polling stations to assess arrangements and oversee the conduct of voting. Addressing the media, he confirmed that polling had commenced on schedule and was progressing without disruption. He noted that voters are participating “with enthusiasm” and are turning out in strong numbers.

Among all districts, Diamer recorded the highest concentration of sensitive locations, with 119 of its 174 polling stations designated as highly sensitive. Gilgit follows with 253 total stations, including 154 highly sensitive, while Skardu has 208 stations across varying sensitivity levels.

On the political front, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) fielded the most candidates with 23, closely followed by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) with 22, and 19 independents with backing from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). The Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) nominated 15 candidates, while Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) and Islami Tehreek Pakistan (ITP) each entered nine. Smaller parties including MWM, JI, and MQM-P also have candidates in the field.

On the security front, GB Inspector General of Police Nasir Akbar Khan confirmed that “more than 17,500 personnel have been deployed” for the electoral process. Contingents from local police, GB Scouts, and forces from Punjab and Sindh police are stationed at polling sites and strategic locations. Additional deployment has been made at vulnerable spots, with law enforcement and the district administration maintaining high alert throughout the day. Election officials expressed confidence that the polling process would remain “peaceful and transparent” from start to finish.