Polling in elections for Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly gets underway

Polling began across Gilgit-Baltistan on Sunday for elections to 24 seats in the regional assembly, with voting set to continue without interruption until 5pm, reported the 24NewsHD TV channel.

A closely contested election is expected in Gilgit-Baltistan, with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) emerging as the principal rivals in a campaign marked by high-profile visits and competing promises for the region's future.

A total of 403 candidates are contesting the elections, while 958,480 registered voters are eligible to exercise their right to vote. Official figures show that the electorate includes 503,772 male voters and more than 455,000 female voters.

Extensive security arrangements have been put in place to ensure the peaceful conduct of the elections.

Around 17,500 police personnel have been deployed across the region, while 830 of the 1,368 polling stations have been declared highly sensitive by the authorities.

According to election officials, 396 candidates are actively participating in the contest, including 266 independent candidates. Seven women candidates are also in the running for assembly seats.

Reports from several polling stations indicated minor delays in the voting process during the early hours of the day.

Voter turnout remained relatively low in the morning, although officials expect participation to increase as the day progresses.

According to the channel report, a larger number of voters is expected to visit polling stations during the afternoon hours.

The Election Commission has established a control room to monitor the electoral process and address any issues that may arise during voting.

The Election Commission has also issued a code of conduct for voters, under which individuals are prohibited from carrying mobile phones, cameras or other electronic devices into polling stations.

PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif travelled to Gilgit-Baltistan to campaign for the party's candidates, highlighting the importance his party attaches to the polls. During public meetings, he assured voters that a future PML-N administration would focus on improving infrastructure across the region, including roads, public facilities and development projects aimed at supporting economic growth.

--Bilawal's special message to voters--

Meanwhile, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari led an extensive election campaign alongside First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari. The party has sought to rally support by promising measures aimed at addressing long-standing demands of the people of Gilgit-Baltistan.

In a special polling day message to voters, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari urged residents to come out in large numbers and support PPP candidates by casting their votes for the party's arrow symbol. He said a PPP victory would help secure what he described as the rights of governance, employment and ownership for the people of Gilgit-Baltistan.

Bilawal also pledged that his party would work to extend the benefits and protections associated with Pakistan's Eighteenth Constitutional Amendment to Gilgit-Baltistan. He further said that the PPP would pursue the establishment of Gilgit-Baltistan as Pakistan's fifth province.

The PPP has additionally promised to grant legal ownership rights to residents of the region if it succeeds in forming the government, presenting the proposal as a key element of its election programme.

Chief Election Commissioner visits polling stations 

Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Election Commissioner Raja Shahbaz Khan visited various polling stations and expressed satisfaction over polling arrangements.

Provincial Election Commissioner Abid Raza also accompanied the Chief Election Commissioner.

Chief Election Commissioner visited Jutial Elementary College and Khomer City Park polling stations.

Talking to medial Chief Election Commissioner Raja Shahbaz Khan said I have visited various polling stations and polling started on time at all polling stations in the morning.

Currently, there is a rush at all polling stations, especially women's polling stations, he said.

He said he is happy that the people have come out to cast their votes in such large numbers.

The people of Gilgit should use their votes for peace and development, Chief Election Commissioner said.

Reporters: Hashar Warriach, Mubarak Ali, Abid Hussain Bilti, Basharat Khan, and Samiullah