Gilgit-Baltistan Elections 2026: Polling Underway Amid Tight Security as Voters Decide the Region’s Political Future

By Irfan Tariq | Special Election Review

GILGIT, June 7, 2026 — Voting is underway across Gilgit-Baltistan in one of the most closely watched regional elections in recent years. Polling began at 8:00 AM and will continue uninterrupted until 5:00 PM, with voters across all ten districts casting ballots to elect members of the 24-seat Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly.

The election has drawn significant national attention due to the intense competition between major political parties, religious groups, and a large number of independent candidates. Political observers describe the contest as a battle not only for power in Gilgit-Baltistan but also for influence over the region’s future constitutional and political direction.

According to the Election Commission, approximately 958,000 to 963,000 registered voters are eligible to vote in this election. The electorate includes hundreds of thousands of male and female voters spread across the mountainous region.

A total of 403 candidates are contesting the elections, making it one of the most competitive elections in the region’s history. Independent candidates dominate the field with 272 contenders, while 131 candidates are backed by political parties. The Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarians (PPPP) has fielded 23 candidates, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) 22 candidates, Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) 15 candidates, while several religious and nationalist parties are also actively participating.

The political contest is largely centered around PPP and PML-N, whose leaders held major rallies across Gilgit and Baltistan during the campaign. Religious parties including JUI-F, Jamaat-e-Islami, Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen and Islami Tehreek Pakistan are also seeking to increase their influence in key constituencies, while independent candidates are expected to play a decisive role in post-election alliances.

Security remains one of the most important aspects of today’s polling. More than 17,500 security personnel, including police, scouts and additional reinforcements, have been deployed throughout the region to ensure peaceful voting. Authorities have conducted extensive security operations and flag marches ahead of polling day.

The Election Commission has established approximately 1,391 polling stations across Gilgit-Baltistan. Of these, hundreds have been classified as sensitive or highly sensitive due to security concerns and their political importance. Election officials say enhanced security measures are in place at all critical locations.

Among the most closely watched constituencies are the urban seats of Gilgit, the politically influential districts of Skardu and Ghanche, the strategic constituencies of Diamer, and the politically active region of Hunza. These constituencies are expected to determine the overall balance of power in the new assembly. Gilgit district alone has a large number of sensitive polling stations and remains a key battleground.

Weather conditions across most parts of Gilgit-Baltistan remained generally favorable for polling throughout the day, allowing voters in mountain valleys and remote districts to reach polling stations without major disruption. However, election officials continue to monitor conditions in high-altitude areas where weather can change rapidly.

Chief Election Commissioner Raja Shahbaz Khan has reiterated the Election Commission’s commitment to free, fair and transparent elections. Special magistrate powers have been delegated to Returning Officers and District Returning Officers to ensure law and order and to address any electoral violations immediately.

As polling continues toward the evening, attention is now focused on voter turnout and the performance of independent candidates, who many analysts believe could become kingmakers in the formation of the next government. While PPP and PML-N remain the leading contenders, the final outcome is expected to depend on constituency-level dynamics and post-election political alignments.

By sunset, the people of Gilgit-Baltistan will have delivered their verdict, setting the course for the region’s political future for the next five years.