Gilgit: Chief Election Commissioner of Gilgit-Baltistan, Raja Shehbaz Khan, has said that the schedule for the Legislative Assembly elections can be reconsidered. He made this statement during a meeting with a representative delegation led by GBA-20 Ghizer candidate Khan Akbar Khan and former Chairman of Union Council Phander Cheer, Numberdar Guli Khan.
During the meeting, important discussions were held regarding the upcoming 2026 general election schedule and the severe weather conditions.
The delegation stated that from January to 15 May, due to extreme cold, snowfall, and road blockages in most border and upper areas of Gilgit-Baltistan, people remain confined to their homes. They argued that announcing the election schedule during this period would create difficulties for voters. The delegation demanded that the date for the assembly elections be set between 15 May and 10 June 2026 so that free and fair elections can be ensured. They further suggested that local body elections should also be held according to the same schedule.
Chief Election Commissioner Raja Shehbaz Khan termed the delegation’s written resolution and suggestions appropriate and timely, assuring them that the current schedule would be reviewed. He said that the environment is suitable for local body elections and that if approval is granted by the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif, the Election Commission is ready to hold both elections simultaneously.