Political Parties Raise Concerns as Gilgit-Baltistan Election Results Continue to Emerge
Several political parties have called for transparency and timely result announcements following the Gilgit-Baltistan general elections, as unofficial results from a majority of constituencies became available.
According to unofficial and non-final results from 18 of the 24 constituencies, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) is leading with nine seats. Independent candidates have secured six seats, while the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has won two seats and the Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM) has won one seat.
Vote counting and result compilation continued in the remaining constituencies.
Election Commission Issues Instructions
The Election Commission of Gilgit-Baltistan directed all returning officers to ensure the issuance of certified Form-45s and follow election procedures in accordance with the rules.
Election officials stated that Form-45s were being provided at polling stations where counting had been completed.
Parties Seek Transparency
Representatives of several political parties expressed concerns regarding the pace of result announcements and the electoral process.
PPP leaders called for the prompt release of pending results and urged election authorities to ensure that official outcomes accurately reflect votes cast by the public.
Similarly, PTI leadership emphasized the importance of transparent elections, equal political participation, and adherence to democratic principles throughout the electoral process.
Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) also stressed the need for transparency and timely result announcements, stating that public confidence is strengthened when election procedures are carried out openly and efficiently.
Bilawal Says PPP Emerging as Largest Party
Reacting to the unofficial results, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said the party was emerging as the largest political force in Gilgit-Baltistan and expressed gratitude to voters for their support.
He added that the party would work toward forming a government if the final results confirmed its leading position.
Voter Participation and Candidates
Polling took place from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm without interruption across Gilgit-Baltistan.
A total of 403 candidates contested the elections, including candidates from major national and regional political parties as well as independents.
The region had more than 963,000 registered voters, including over 566,000 male voters and nearly 397,000 female voters.
Security Arrangements
Authorities implemented extensive security measures during the election process. More than 17,500 security personnel, including police, Gilgit-Baltistan Scouts, Rangers, and other law enforcement agencies, were deployed across the region.
Additional security arrangements were made at sensitive and highly sensitive polling stations to ensure a peaceful voting process.
Unofficial Results Overview
Based on unofficial results received so far:
- PPP leads with 9 seats
- Independent candidates have won 6 seats
- PML-N has secured 2 seats
- MWM has won 1 seat
Election officials are expected to continue releasing results as counting and verification processes are completed across the remaining constituencies.
