GILGIT: Polling for the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly elections has officially started, with voters across the region heading to polling stations to decide their next government.
According to election authorities, a total of 958,480 registered voters are expected to cast their votes. Polling began in the morning and will continue until 5 PM.
The Election Commission of Pakistan has set up 1,391 polling stations across all districts. Out of these, 349 have been declared sensitive, while 551 are categorized as highly sensitive, prompting strict security arrangements.
A total of 403 candidates are contesting the elections including 396 men and 8 women. Major political parties in the race include Pakistan Peoples Party, Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz and Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party, alongside several other parties and 266 independent candidates.
Security has been tightened to ensure peaceful elections, with personnel from local police, Gilgit-Baltistan Scouts, and additional forces deployed. Law enforcement agencies have also conducted flag marches in various constituencies ahead of polling day.
Several constituencies are expected to witness tough competition among candidates, making the elections a crucial and closely watched political event in the region.
