Gilgit-Baltistan to hold local government polls on August 2 after 22-year hiatus

WEB DESK: The schedule for long-awaited local government elections in Gilgit-Baltistan was formally announced on Wednesday, with polling set for August 2.

Chief Election Commissioner Raja Shahbaz Khan said the elections would be held across the region after a gap of 22 years, marking a significant step towards strengthening local governance.

Nomination timeline set

Raja Shahbaz Khan, who holds the Tamgha-e-Shujaat award, stated that nomination papers would be submitted between June 9 and June 15. He described the announcement as a milestone for democratic decentralisation in the region.

The Chief Election Commissioner emphasised that all arrangements were being made to ensure transparent and fair elections in accordance with the law.

Historic significance

Local government elections in Gilgit-Baltistan have not been held since 2004. The resumption of the electoral process has been welcomed by political stakeholders as an important development for grassroots representation and administrative efficiency in the mountainous region.