PPP’s Akhtar Abbas Nashad Leads Tight‑Security By‑Election in Skardu’s GBA‑09

On Saturday, voters in Skardu’s GBA‑09 constituency filed their ballots at 61 polling stations, a day that felt both ordinary and extraordinary at once. Ordinary because citizens stood in line, checking off their civic duty; extraordinary because a tight‑rope of security stretched across the area, with more than 800 police officers and GB Scouts keeping a vigilant eye.

When the first unofficial tallies started to trickle in, it became clear the race was razor‑thin. PPP’s Akhtar Abbas Nashad, son of the disqualified former MNA Fida Muhammad Nashad, had gathered 8,040 votes. His main rival, independent candidate Wazir Mohammad Saleem, lagged just a shade behind with 7,585 votes – a margin of only 455 votes.

The by‑election itself was called after the Gilgit‑Baltistan Supreme Appellate Court struck down the June‑election result for the seat, removing Fida Muhammad Nashad for reasons that still stir debate among locals. The Election Commission promptly scheduled a fresh poll, and the district magistrate even declared a local holiday to "facilitate eligible voters in exercising their right to franchise and to ensure the smooth and peaceful conduct of polls," as the notice read.

Registered voters numbered 33,985 – 17,658 men and 15,868 women – each given a chance to tip the balance. Alongside Nashad and Saleem, ten other hopefuls, including PML‑N’s Mohammad Ajmal, filed nomination papers, but none managed to crack the top two.

Security classifications added another layer to the story. Of the 61 stations, 25 were marked as Category A – the most sensitive – while 11 fell under Category B and the remaining 25 were considered normal (Category C). The heavy police and scout presence, though palpable, seemed to keep the process largely calm, with no major incidents reported.

Analysts had already warned of a close contest, citing Nashad’s potential to inherit his father’s vote bank and the sympathy wave that might arise from the disqualification saga. The early numbers appear to confirm those expectations, though the final count will still need to be confirmed by the Election Commission.

As the night deepened, the atmosphere in Skardu was a mix of relief and anticipation. Residents whispered about the narrow margin, while campaign teams began to brace for the next steps – whether it be legal challenges, thank‑you rallies, or preparations for governance.

For now, the provisional picture shows a PPP win, but the final verdict will only come once every ballot box is opened and the official results are announced.