Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly Elections Held; PTI Forced to Compete as Independents

Pakistan held general elections for the 33-seat Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly on June 7, 2026, with 130 party candidates and 266 independents contesting 24 general seats. The Election Commission barred PTI from using its official party symbol — upheld by the Supreme Court under the same formula as the February 2024 national elections — forcing its candidates to run as independents. The party alleged a 'lack of level playing field,' with leaders expelled from GB in the days prior and workers reportedly detained. Polling ran from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. under tight security, with vote counting underway by end of day. The elections are seen as a key test of political sentiment in the strategic northern territory.