Gilgit-Baltistan Election Results: Vote Counting Underway After Polls Close

Vote counting has commenced across Gilgit-Baltistan following the conclusion of polling for all 24 seats of the provincial assembly. The electoral process ran smoothly from 8:00am to 5:00pm without interruption, completing the full voting window as scheduled.

Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Election Commissioner Raja Shahbaz conducted personal inspections of multiple polling stations throughout the day, reviewing arrangements and observing the voting process firsthand. Speaking to the media after polls closed, he confirmed that the election had concluded without any significant disturbance, adding that women voters turned out in notably high numbers.

The commissioner reported that law and order remained under control throughout the day. “The election process has been completed in a peaceful environment,” he said, underlining the orderly conduct of the entire exercise.

Raja Shahbaz also confirmed his direct oversight of the process, stating “I myself visited polling stations,” and noted that both polling staff and security personnel discharged their duties effectively. He added that polling agents were specifically asked whether they had any grievances regarding the conduct of the elections.

The Election Commission had set up 1,391 polling stations across all districts of Gilgit-Baltistan — 488 classified as normal, 349 as sensitive, and 551 as highly sensitive. Among the districts, Gilgit operated 253 stations, Skardu 208, Ghizer 207, Ghanche 154, Astore 108, Hunza 88, Nagar 85, Shigar 71, and Kharmang 43.

On the political front, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) entered the most candidates with 23, followed by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) with 22 and 19 PTI-backed independents. The Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) fielded 15 candidates, while JUI-F and ITP each put forward nine. MWM nominated seven, JI and MQM-P six each, and the Awami Workers Party four.

On the security front, GB Inspector General of Police Nasir Akbar Khan confirmed that “more than 17,500 personnel were deployed” for the electoral exercise. Contingents from local police, GB Scouts, and forces from Punjab and Sindh were stationed at polling sites and sensitive locations. Additional deployment was made at vulnerable stations, with law enforcement and district administrations maintaining heightened readiness throughout the day.