The polling process for the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly elections continued on Sunday under strict security arrangements, although reports of isolated disturbances emerged from some polling stations.
The verbal altercation and brief scuffle took place between supporters of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) outside Sir Syed School Polling Station in Gilgit. Security personnel stationed at the site promptly intervened and brought the situation under control, preventing any further escalation.
Meanwhile, voting remained underway in Skardu’s constituency GBA-9 (Constituency-3), where eight candidates are contesting for the assembly seat. A total of 33,649 registered voters are eligible to cast their ballots in the constituency.
The election authorities stated that 54 polling stations have been established across the constituency to facilitate voters.
The administration has emphasized that comprehensive security measures are in place to maintain law and order throughout the electoral process. Security personnel have been deployed at polling stations, particularly at locations categorized as sensitive and highly sensitive, to ensure a peaceful voting environment.
Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Election Commissioner has appealed to the public to participate responsibly in the democratic process and help ensure that the elections conclude peacefully.
He urged voters, political workers, and candidates to maintain discipline and cooperate with election officials and security agencies.
The reports of disorder were received from the Eidgah Female Polling Station in Astore. Some voters alleged irregularities in the voting process and raised concerns regarding the handling of ballot papers.
However, election authorities concerned had not issued an official response to the allegations at the time of filing this report.
Despite these isolated incidents, polling activities across Gilgit-Baltistan largely continued under enhanced security arrangements, with authorities expressing confidence in the overall conduct of the electoral process.
