Skardu voters cast ballots in key by-election

GILGIT: Polling is underway in the GBA-09 Skardu-III constituency, where 33,985 registered voters are expected to cast their ballots under strict security arrangements.

Voting started at 8am and will continue until 5pm. Authorities have declared a local holiday in the constituency to facilitate voters and help ensure the peaceful conduct of the election.

Security has been increased across the constituency, with 61 polling stations established for the election. Of these, 25 have been declared highly sensitive, 11 medium-sensitive and 25 normal.

The by-election became necessary after the Gilgit-Baltistan Election Commission announced fresh polling following the disqualification of PPP candidate Fida Muhammad Nashad by the GB Supreme Appellate Court. Nashad had been declared the winning candidate in the June general elections.

The PPP has now fielded Nashad’s son, Akhtar Abbas, while the PML-N is represented by Mohammad Ajmal. Former minister Mohammad Saleem is contesting as an independent candidate.

Ten candidates are taking part in the election, with Abbas and Saleem considered among the leading contenders. Observers expect a close contest, with Abbas likely to benefit from his father’s established support base and public sympathy following the court ruling.

Election officials and security personnel have been deployed at polling stations to maintain law and order and ensure voters can exercise their right to vote without disruption.