The Election Commission of Pakistan has issued the schedule for local government by-elections in 20 districts of Balochistan, where 81 general council seats have fallen vacant.
According to the official announcement, polling will take place on August 9, 2026.
The districts where elections will be held include Pishin/Barshore, Chagai, Zhob, Sherani, Loralai, Dukki, Musakhail, Sibi, Harnai, Kohlu, Naseerabad, Usta Muhammad, Kachhi, Jhal Magsi, Kalat, Khuzdar, Lasbela, Hub, Kech, and Gwadar.
As per the schedule, Returning Officers will issue public notices on June 30, 2026. Nomination papers can be submitted between July 1 and July 3, while scrutiny of papers will be conducted from July 6 to July 8. The initial list of candidates will be published on July 9. Appeals against acceptance or rejection of nomination papers may be filed with the appellate authority between July 10 and July 13, with final decisions due by July 16. The revised list of candidates will be released on July 17, and withdrawals will be accepted until July 18. The final list of candidates, along with the allotment of election symbols, will be issued on July 20, 2026.
The Election Commission emphasized that these by-elections are being conducted to fill vacant seats and ensure representation at the local council level. Preparations are underway to guarantee transparency, fairness, and smooth conduct of the electoral process across all districts.
CM Bugti directs uninterrupted power supply
Balochistan Chief Minister (CM) Mir Sarfraz Bugti on Thursday directed QESCO officials that all available resources should be utilized to ensure an uninterrupted and stable supply of electricity to the public in the province.
He said this while talking to a delegation of Quetta Electric Supply Company (QESCO) officials led by Abdul Karim Jafri, Chairman of the Board of Directors, who called on him here.
The meeting discussed various issues, including the overall performance of QESCO, improvement in the power transmission and distribution system, problems being faced by consumers, collection of dues, reduction in line losses, use of modern technology and AI-based meter reading system.
QESCO officials briefed the Chief Minister of Balochistan about the performance of the institution, ongoing reform measures and plans. The delegation also informed about the implementation of an artificial intelligence-based meter reading system and other modern measures to make the power system more effective and transparent.
Chief Minister of Balochistan Mir Sarfraz Bugti directed on this occasion that all available resources should be utilized to ensure an uninterrupted and stable supply of electricity to the public.
He said that the use of modern technology in the power sector will lead to transparency, efficiency and increase in consumer confidence.
The CM stressed that an effective strategy should be adopted for the recovery of dues and elimination of power theft so as to prevent the wastage of national resources.
Sarfraz Bugti said that the provincial government would provide all possible support for public-interest projects and maintain close coordination with federal institutions to improve the power system.
Meanwhile, a delegation of the Women Parliamentarians Caucus also met with the Chief Minister of Balochistan, Mir Sarfraz Bugti.
The meeting discussed the role of women members in parliamentary affairs, women’s political participation, their effective representation in the legislative process and various issues being faced by women.
The delegation appreciated the provincial government’s initiatives for the welfare, empowerment and effective participation of women in the decision-making process.
On this occasion, Chief Minister Balochistan Mir Sarfraz Bugti said that women are an important and effective part of the society and their role is key in the development and prosperity of Balochistan.
He said that the government is taking practical steps to provide equal opportunities to women in the fields of education, health, employment and political representation.