General Elections in Gilgit-Baltistan will now be held on June 7, ending months of uncertainty. The announcement was made by the Gilgit-Baltistan Election Commission after earlier delays due to harsh weather conditions.
The Elections were initially scheduled for January 24, 2026. However, heavy snowfall and extreme winter conditions forced authorities to postpone the process. Several remote areas became inaccessible, making it difficult to ensure fair participation.
According to officials, the upcoming Elections will be conducted under the Election Act 2017 and the Gilgit-Baltistan Order 2018. Raja Shahbaz Khan confirmed that all preparations have now been completed. He said the commission is ready to carry out the process smoothly.
Political parties had earlier raised concerns about holding Elections during winter. They argued that severe weather in mountainous regions would affect voter turnout. Many areas in Gilgit-Baltistan remain cut off during heavy snowfall, limiting access to polling stations.
The decision to hold Elections in June is seen as a practical step. Weather conditions are expected to improve, allowing better movement for voters and election staff. Authorities believe this will help ensure a more inclusive voting process.
Officials also confirmed that the schedule for local government Elections will be announced later. These polls were planned for February 14 but were also delayed. The commission stated that local body elections will take place after the general elections are completed.
There were concerns about further delays as well. Political leaders warned that postponing Elections beyond early June could create new challenges. Religious events like Muharram are expected to begin in mid-June. Holding polls during such periods is considered difficult due to security and logistical issues.
Some leaders had suggested that any further delay could push the Elections to September or October. However, the June 7 date has now provided clarity and direction for all stakeholders.
Experts say timely Elections are important for political stability in the region. They allow citizens to choose their representatives and strengthen democratic institutions. The announcement has been welcomed by political parties and voters alike.
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Overall, the decision to hold Elections on June 7 marks a significant step forward. It reflects efforts to balance weather challenges, political concerns, and public participation. With preparations complete, attention now turns to the smooth conduct of the polling process.
