Overview
- Polling for the 24-seat Gilgit‑Baltistan Assembly opened on Sunday with voting scheduled from 8:00am to 5:00pm and about 958,480 registered voters eligible to cast ballots.
- The Election Commission set up 1,391 polling stations, classifying 488 as normal, 349 as sensitive and 551 as highly sensitive to guide security and logistics at each site.
- Authorities say more than 17,500 security personnel from local forces and reinforcements from other provinces have been deployed to protect polling stations and maintain order.
- PTI and PTI‑backed candidates accuse officials of interference after the late suspension of the Gilgit‑Baltistan Democratic Party’s registration forced their candidates to run as independents and prompted claims of campaign restrictions and symbol withdrawal.
- Election officials reject accusations of bias, saying the GBDP failed to meet registration rules, while the PPP alleges voter‑roll changes and federal development announcements could influence the vote; results are expected after polls close and observers will watch turnout, complaints and any legal challenges.