GILGIT: The caretaker government of Gilgit-Baltistan has intensified preparations for the upcoming General Elections 2026, with senior officials reviewing security, administrative, and logistical arrangements during a high-level meeting held in Gilgit.
The meeting was jointly chaired by Caretaker Chief Minister Justice (R) Yar Muhammad and Chief Election Commissioner Gilgit-Baltistan Raja Shahbaz Khan. It was attended by caretaker ministers, senior government officials, election authorities, and Returning Officers from all districts through video link.
Officials from the Election Commission Gilgit-Baltistan briefed participants on various stages of the electoral process, including financial planning, polling arrangements, transportation, law and order, and coordination among institutions.
The meeting emphasized that all election-related activities would be conducted in accordance with the Election Act 2017 to ensure free, fair, and transparent polls. Authorities reviewed arrangements for polling stations, deployment of staff, transportation facilities, and the establishment of a monitoring mechanism to oversee preparations before election day.
Participants were informed that coordination with relevant departments was underway to ensure timely release of funds and availability of resources. Instructions were issued to remove any obstacles that could delay the electoral process.
The law and order situation, particularly in sensitive districts, was also discussed in detail. Security agencies were directed to prepare comprehensive security plans for polling stations, transportation of election material, and vote counting centers. Relevant institutions were also instructed to remain prepared for emergency situations.
The meeting further highlighted the need for effective coordination among departments, including the establishment of control rooms and communication systems for uninterrupted information flow during the elections.
Discussions were also held regarding print, electronic, and social media coverage. Officials agreed on measures to counter misinformation, hate speech, and illegal propaganda while ensuring timely dissemination of accurate information to the public.
Caretaker Chief Minister Yar Muhammad assured full government support to the Election Commission and directed all departments to work closely together to strengthen public trust in the electoral process.
Chief Election Commissioner Raja Shahbaz Khan said strict action would be taken against violations of the Election Act and stressed the importance of peaceful and impartial elections across Gilgit-Baltistan.–APP
