GB elections end peacefully as PPP–PML-N clash claims begin amid high-stakes vote count

Voting for all 24 directly elected seats of the Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly concluded on Sunday after a day of

Voting for all 24 directly elected seats of the Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly concluded on Sunday after a day of largely peaceful polling conducted under strict security arrangements across the region.

The elections, held after a four-month delay due to severe winter conditions, saw polling begin at 8am and end at 5pm across 10 districts of the mountainous region. Authorities deployed thousands of security personnel to ensure order, while election officials reported smooth operations at most polling stations.

According to the Election Commission, 1,391 polling stations were set up, including a large number classified as sensitive and highly sensitive. Security was particularly tight in Diamer district, which contained the highest number of high-risk stations.

A total of 963,034 registered voters — including both men and women — were eligible to cast their ballots, while 396 candidates contested the 24 seats. Notably, more than 260 candidates ran as independents, reflecting fragmented local political competition. Women’s representation remained limited, with only eight female candidates participating.

The contest is widely seen as a key political battleground between the major parties, including the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), and a weakened Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), which fielded independent candidates due to lack of an electoral symbol and an alliance with the Majlis Wahdat-i-Muslimeen (MWM).

The main electoral race is expected between PPP’s Amjad Hussain and PML-N’s former chief minister Hafiz Hafeezur Rehman, both of whom have strong political bases in Gilgit division.

Throughout the day, Chief Election Commissioner Raja Shahbaz Khan visited multiple polling stations, describing the overall process as peaceful and orderly. He noted high voter participation, particularly among women, calling it a positive sign of civic engagement.

Caretaker Interior Minister Sajid Ali Baig also confirmed that polling remained peaceful, although he acknowledged that minor administrative issues were being addressed promptly. In some areas, local voters reportedly called for additional police deployment to ensure security.

Despite the calm environment, political tensions surfaced after polling ended. The PPP alleged delays in receiving Form-45 result sheets and raised concerns over the relocation of a polling station in Astore-II, claiming it could affect voter turnout in its stronghold areas. Party workers also staged protests in parts of the region, including blocking key roads.

On the other hand, rival parties such as PML-N shared videos of crowded election camps, claiming strong voter turnout in their favor, while PTI-backed independents circulated footage asserting support from voters outside polling stations.

Meanwhile, monitoring authorities confirmed that the electoral process was conducted under close supervision, with returning officers and district administrations instructed to ensure transparency and fairness. The GB Supreme Appellate Court had earlier directed the Election Commission to ensure free and impartial elections following concerns raised at the federal level.

Political leaders also intensified their messaging on election day. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari urged voters to support his party’s manifesto, promising constitutional rights, employment opportunities, and greater autonomy for Gilgit-Baltistan. PML-N leader Hafiz Hafeezur Rehman focused his campaign message on development projects, infrastructure expansion, and improved governance.

The PPP, PML-N, and allied parties have all claimed momentum heading into the counting phase, while independent candidates—many aligned with PTI—are expected to play a decisive role in forming the next government in the 33-member assembly.

Election officials said final results would be announced after the completion of counting and consolidation of Form-45 data from all polling stations.