Polling underway in Gilgit-Baltistan amid tight security
Why this matters: local context for readers following news across Pakistan and the region.
Polling commenced across Gilgit-Baltistan on Sunday for elections on 24 seats of the regional assembly, with over 400 candidates contesting amid elaborate security arrangements. According to the Election Commission, voting began at 8 am and will continue uninterrupted until 5 pm. A total of 958,480 registered voters are eligible to cast their ballots. Authorities finalised election and security arrangements before polling day, while law enforcement agencies carried out flag marches in different areas to demonstrate preparedness and maintain public order. GB Chief Election Commissioner Raja Shahbaz visited several polling stations to oversee the electoral process. During his inspections, he reviewed arrangements and monitored polling activities at various locations. Talking to the media, Raja Shahbaz said voting had started on schedule across the region and was continuing peacefully. He noted that voters were participating enthusiastically and turnout remained encouraging. The Election Commission has established 1,391 polling stations throughout GB. Among them, 488 have been declared normal, 349 sensitive and 551 highly sensitive. District-wise details show Gilgit has 253 polling stations, including 51 normal, 48 sensitive and 154 highly sensitive locations. Ghizer has 207 polling stations, with 83 categorised as normal, 52 sensitive and 69 highly sensitive, while Nagar has 85 polling stations comprising 28 normal, 39 sensitive and 18 highly sensitive stations. In Hunza, 88 polling stations have been set up, including 33 normal, 31 sensitive and 24 highly sensitive locations. Skardu has 208 polling stations, of which 88 are normal, 51 sensitive and 69 highly sensitive. Shigar has 71 polling stations, including 31 normal, 23 sensitive and 17 highly sensitive stations. Kharmang has 43 polling stations, with 12 normal, 10 sensitive and 21 highly sensitive, while Ghanche has 154 polling stations comprising 89 normal, 39 sensitive and 26 highly sensitive stations. Astore