Gilgit-Baltistan Elections: Final Day of Campaign, 130 Candidates in Race

GILGIT-BALTISTAN: The election campaign for the general elections in Gilgit-Baltistan has entered its final day, with political activity reaching its peak across all 24 constituencies.

Political parties and hundreds of independent candidates are making last-minute efforts as the region prepares for a closely contested vote.

Several constituencies in Gilgit have become highly significant in this election. In constituency one, a tough competition is expected between Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP), and Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM).

In this seat, PPP’s Amjad Hussain Advocate and PML-N’s Muhammad Shafiq-ud-Din are expected to face a direct contest, while MWM’s Muhammad Ilyas Siddiqui and IPP’s Sultan Rais are also in the race.

In constituency two, a close contest is likely between PML-N provincial president Hafiz Hafeez-ur-Rehman and PPP’s Jameel Ahmed. IPP’s Fattahullah Khan and a PTI-backed independent candidate Atiq Pirzada are also active in the field.

In constituency three, PML-N’s Dr Muhammad Iqbal will face PPP’s Aftab Haider, while IPP’s Captain (retd) Muhammad Shafi and a joint PTI-MWM supported independent candidate Soheil Abbas are also competing.

Overall, 130 candidates from 24 political parties and around 250 independent candidates are contesting in the 24 constituencies of Gilgit-Baltistan.

The Election Commission has completed all preparations for the polls. Election material has been delivered to returning officers, and arrangements have been finalized to ensure a smooth voting process.

A total of 958,481 voters will exercise their right to vote in the upcoming elections. The Election Commission has established 1,368 polling stations and 2,447 polling booths across the region to ensure free, fair, and transparent elections.