Gilgit (Web Desk): With polling day for the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly elections scheduled on June 7 approaching, authorities have confirmed that all necessary preparations have been finalised, alongside strict security arrangements aimed at ensuring a peaceful electoral process across the region.
According to the final polling station classification issued by the Election Commission, a total of 1,391 polling stations have been established throughout Gilgit-Baltistan.
Out of these, 488 have been designated as normal, 349 as sensitive, while 551 have been placed in the highly sensitive category due to security concerns.
District-level data indicates that Gilgit district has the largest share with 253 polling stations, including 51 normal, 48 sensitive, and 154 highly sensitive locations. Ghizer follows with 207 polling stations, consisting of 83 normal, 52 sensitive, and 69 highly sensitive sites.
In Nagar, 85 polling stations have been set up, comprising 28 normal, 39 sensitive, and 18 highly sensitive stations. Hunza has a total of 88 polling stations, broken down into 33 normal, 31 sensitive, and 24 highly sensitive.
Skardu district accounts for 208 polling stations, with 88 categorized as normal, 51 as sensitive, and 69 as highly sensitive, while Shigar has 71 polling stations, including 31 normal, 23 sensitive, and 17 highly sensitive.
Kharmang has been assigned 43 polling stations, with 12 normal, 10 sensitive, and 21 highly sensitive, whereas Ghanche contains 154 polling stations, including 89 normal, 39 sensitive, and 26 highly sensitive.
Astore district has 108 polling stations, comprising 40 normal, 34 sensitive, and 34 highly sensitive locations. Diamer stands out with 174 polling stations, of which 33 are normal, 22 sensitive, and 119 highly sensitive—the highest number of highly sensitive sites among all districts.
Election authorities have stated that enhanced security measures have been put in place for all sensitive and highly sensitive polling stations to prevent any disruption during voting.
Additional security personnel will be deployed at vulnerable points, while law enforcement agencies along with district administrations will remain on high alert throughout the electoral process.
It is pertinent to mention that with the entry of several high-profile candidates, the polls have become into one of the most closely watched political battles in the region.
The electoral race features two former chief ministers, a former governor, the son of the incumbent governor, and the mother of a former chief minister, adding further intrigue to an already competitive political landscape.
One of the most prominent contests is set to take place between former Governor Raja Jalal Hussain Maqpoon and Tauqeer Mehdi Shah, the son of current Governor Syed Mehdi Shah.
Political observers anticipate a fierce and high-stakes battle between the two influential figures.
In another key constituency, former Chief Minister Hafiz Hafeezur Rehman will face Pakistan Peoples Party candidate Jameel Ahmed in what is being described as one of the most significant electoral matchups of the campaign.
Meanwhile, former Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan is expected to encounter a tough challenge as he competes against Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz candidate Malik Kifayat, Pakistan Peoples Party’s Subiya Jabeen, and independent contender Ayub Qureshi. The four-way contest is likely to be among the most competitive races of the election.
The political landscape has become even more compelling with the participation of Shahida Khurshid, the mother of former Chief Minister Khalid Khurshid.
She will take on Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz’S (PML-N) candidate Farman Ali and Pakistan Peoples Party’s (PPP) Major Fahad Hanif Khan in a contest that analysts predict will be exceptionally close.
Earlier, on Friday, the Gilgit-Baltistan Election Commission announced the end of election campaigning 48 hours before polling day, enforcing a strict prohibition on all political activity across the region during this period, according to an official press release.
“The commission informs the public, political parties, candidates and their supporters that under Section 182 of the Elections Act 2017 and the Code of Conduct, no election-related activities will be allowed during the 48 hours preceding polling,” said the statement by the commission’s public affairs wing.
As per the legal framework, no individual will be allowed to organise, attend, promote, or support any public gathering, rally, procession, or meeting within the respective constituency throughout this restricted timeframe.
“In this regard, a complete ban on all election activities will come into effect from 12 midnight on June 5, 2026,” the press release said.
The statement further clarified that once the restriction is in place, activities including election rallies, corner meetings, processions, campaign drives, the use of loudspeakers, and any form of canvassing intended to influence voters will be strictly prohibited.
“It further said that, following the enforcement of the ban, “holding or participating in election rallies, corner meetings, processions, campaign activities, the use of loudspeakers, or any form of canvassing” aimed at influencing voters would be “strictly prohibited”.”
“The commission has directed all political parties, candidates, election agents and workers to ensure full compliance with election laws and the code of conduct. In case of violations, action will be taken under the Elections Act 2017 and other relevant laws,” it cautioned.
Reaffirming its preparedness for the upcoming electoral exercise, the commission stated that it is making all necessary arrangements to ensure “peaceful, free, fair and transparent elections” and urged the public to act responsibly in upholding the law.
The general elections for the Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly are set to take place on Sunday, after being postponed for four months.