All preparations for the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly general elections scheduled for June 7 have been completed, with authorities putting in place stringent security measures to ensure the peaceful conduct of polling across the region.
According to the final classification list issued by the Election Commission, a total of 1,391 polling stations have been established across Gilgit-Baltistan. Of these 488 have been categorized as normal, 349 as sensitive, and 551 as highly sensitive.
District-wise data shows that Gilgit has 253 polling stations, including 51 normal, 48 sensitive and 154 highly sensitive stations. Ghizer has 207 polling stations, comprising 83 normal, 52 sensitive and 69 highly sensitive stations.
In Nagar, 85 polling stations have been set up, including 28 normal, 39 sensitive and 18 highly sensitive stations, while Hunza has 88 polling stations, of which 33 are normal, 31 sensitive and 24 highly sensitive.
Skardu has 208 polling stations, including 88 normal, 51 sensitive and 69 highly sensitive stations. Shigar has 71 polling stations, with 31 categorized as normal, 23 as sensitive and 17 as highly sensitive.
According to the list, Kharmang has 43 polling stations, including 12 normal, 10 sensitive and 21 highly sensitive stations, while Ghanche has 154 polling stations, comprising 89 normal, 39 sensitive and 26 highly sensitive stations.
Astore has 108 polling stations, including 40 normal, 34 sensitive and 34 highly sensitive stations. Diamer has 174 polling stations, of which 33 are normal, 22 sensitive and 119 highly sensitive, the highest number of highly sensitive polling stations among all districts.
Election authorities said enhanced security measures had been finalized for all sensitive and highly sensitive polling stations to prevent any untoward incidents during polling. Additional security personnel will be deployed at vulnerable locations, while law enforcement agencies and the district administration will remain on high alert throughout the election process.
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Raja Shahbaz Khan Saturday urged voters to turn out in large numbers, exercise their democratic right responsibly and play a constructive role in maintaining law and order, stating that all necessary arrangements had been put in place to ensure peaceful, free, fair and transparent elections across the region.
While speaking exclusively to PTV News, CEC Raja Shahbaz Khan called on citizens to champion democracy through active electoral participation and make their voice heard through the ballot in the elections scheduled for Sunday, June 7. He urged voters to turn out in large numbers and exercise their constitutional right to vote, emphasizing that every vote plays a vital role in strengthening democratic institutions and shaping the future of the region.
He said public participation is the cornerstone of a vibrant democratic system and encouraged citizens to fulfill their civic responsibility with a sense of commitment and patriotism.
The CEC also appealed to the electorate to cooperate with election authorities and law enforcement agencies in maintaining a peaceful and orderly environment on polling day.