By Tanveer Ahmed
GILGIT: The election schedule for reserved seats for women and technocrats in the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly was revised after requests from several political parties, officials said.
The office of the returning officer issued a notification outlining the updated timetable, following formal written appeals from parties including the Gilgit-Baltistan Democratic Party, Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party and Pakistan Muslim League. The chief election commissioner of Gilgit-Baltistan approved the extension to allow broader political participation.
According to the notification issued by Rahim Gul, secretary of law and prosecution and the presiding returning officer, political parties were to submit their priority lists and nomination papers between 16 and 27 April. The publication of nominated candidates was scheduled for 28 April, followed by scrutiny of nomination papers from 29 April to 3 May.
The deadline for filing appeals against the acceptance or rejection of nominations was set for 4 May, while decisions on appeals would be made between 5 and 11 May by the appellate tribunal. A revised final list of valid candidates would be published on 12 May.
Polling for the reserved seats would take place on 9 June 2026, with results to be submitted to the chief election commissioner the same day.
The returning officer said all participating political parties must submit separate priority lists, duly signed by authorised representatives, within the stipulated deadlines. Candidates were also required to ensure their documentation complied with the Elections Act 2017 to avoid disqualification during scrutiny.
Officials said the revised schedule was intended to streamline the electoral process and give parties additional time to finalise their candidates for the reserved seats.
