All arrangements finalised for holding general elections in Gilgit-Baltistan tomorrow
Stringent security measures in place to ensure peaceful conduct of polling across the region. Election Commission says a total of 1,391 polling stations have been established across GB. Of these 488 have been categorized as normal, 349 as sensitive, and 551 as highly sensitive
Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Raja Shahbaz Khan said on Saturday that all arrangements for holding the general elections for the GB Assembly were complete, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
In an interview with the 24News TV channel, he said that election-related material had been dispatched to all 391 polling stations and steps had been taken to ensure free and fair elections.
Similarly, he added, arrangements had also been taken to ensure security during polling.
Khan asked people to come to him for seeking clarifications rather than creating doubts. “Everybody is welcome in my office,” he said, adding, “I am here to ensure peaceful, free and fair elections. If people have reservations, they should come to me so that I could address them.”
He, however, said that he had not received any application concerning the elections so far, and the entire process was underway smoothly.
Stringent security in place
All preparations for the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly general elections scheduled for June 7 (Sunday – tomorrow) have been completed, with authorities putting in place stringent security measures to ensure the peaceful conduct of polling across the region.
According to the final classification list issued by the Election Commission, a total of 1,391 polling stations have been established across Gilgit-Baltistan. Of these 488 have been categorized as normal, 349 as sensitive, and 551 as highly sensitive.
District-wise data shows that Gilgit has 253 polling stations, including 51 normal, 48 sensitive and 154 highly sensitive stations. Ghizer has 207 polling stations, comprising 83 normal, 52 sensitive and 69 highly sensitive stations.
In Nagar, 85 polling stations have been set up, including 28 normal, 39 sensitive and 18 highly sensitive stations, while Hunza has 88 polling stations, of which 33 are normal, 31 sensitive and 24 highly sensitive.
Skardu has 208 polling stations, including 88 normal, 51 sensitive and 69 highly sensitive stations. Shigar has 71 polling stations, with 31 categorized as normal, 23 as sensitive and 17 as highly sensitive.
According to the list, Kharmang has 43 polling stations, including 12 normal, 10 sensitive and 21 highly sensitive stations, while Ghanche has 154 polling stations, comprising 89 normal, 39 sensitive and 26 highly sensitive stations.
Astore has 108 polling stations, including 40 normal, 34 sensitive and 34 highly sensitive stations. Diamer has 174 polling stations, of which 33 are normal, 22 sensitive and 119 highly sensitive, the highest number of highly sensitive polling stations among all districts.
Election authorities said enhanced security measures had been finalized for all sensitive and highly sensitive polling stations to prevent any untoward incidents during polling. Additional security personnel will be deployed at vulnerable locations, while law enforcement agencies and the district administration will remain on high alert throughout the election process.
Reporter: Hashir Warraich