QUETTA: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has postponed the second phase of local government by-elections in Balochistan’s Khuzdar, Kalat and Hub districts due to the prevailing law and order situation.
The decision was taken in view of security concerns in the three districts. The postponement affects the second phase of by-elections that had been scheduled to be held in the respective local government constituencies.
Meanwhile, the second phase of local government by-elections will be held as scheduled on August 9, 2026, in various municipal committees and union councils of Zhob, Loralai and Sibi districts.
The Election Commission said all necessary arrangements for polling in these constituencies have been completed. A total of 19 candidates are contesting the six general seats in the three districts.
In this regard, 5,546 registered voters are eligible to cast their ballots in the constituencies. The electorate comprises 2,942 male and 2,604 female voters.
The Election Commission has established eight polling stations for the elections. Of these, two have been designated for male voters, two for female voters and four as combined polling stations for both men and women.
So far, the security arrangements have also been finalised for polling day. Six have been declared sensitive, while the remaining two have been classified as normal.
In this sense, the polling in the constituencies of Zhob, Loralai and Sibi will begin at 8am and continue until 4pm without a break, according to the election schedule.
The ECP has directed the relevant authorities to ensure peaceful polling and provide necessary security at all polling stations.
The postponement of polling in Khuzdar, Kalat and Hub highlights the Election Commission’s decision to prioritise security and maintain a peaceful environment for voters and candidates.
