Security tightened in G-B as Section 144 imposed in Diamer ahead of polls

District administration appeals to citizens to comply with order, warns of strict action against violators

The district administration of Diamer in Gilgit Baltistan (G-B) imposed Section 144 for a period of 60 days, effective June 5 as authorities complete final preparations for the elections.

The imposition of Section 144 was issued by District Magistrate Diamer Lieutenant (Retired) Muhammad Awais, and covered a broad range of restrictions targeting public safety risks and the protection of sensitive installations.

Under the directives, a complete ban has been placed on the "carrying or display of all types of arms and ammunition, aerial firing and the use of crackers," along with a ban on "flying, operation and use of all types of drones, quadcopters, and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)."

Section 144 imposed in Diamer, G-B

The ban, exempting those who have obtained written NOCs from the district magistrate along with law enforcement agencies, has been enforced "in view of the prevailing security environment and emerging threats to public safety, sensitive installation and strategic infrastructure within District Diamer."

The notification further stated, "Any unregulated or unauthorised flying of drones/UAVs, incidents of aerial firing and the use of explosive fireworks pose a serious threat to law and order, public tranquillity, and security of government buildings," adding that the same poses grave risks to human life, property, and may result in fire hazards in public spaces.

Read: Tensions mount in G-B ahead of vote

According to the district magistrate, "the situation is emergent and requires immediate preventive measures to maintain public tranquillity, ensure the safety of human life, and avert any potential disturbance of public peace."

The district administration appealed to citizens to comply with the orders in letter and spirit, warning that strict legal action will be taken against any potential violators.

With polling preparations complete, a total of 551 polling stations, of 1,391, were declared highly sensitive, 349 were categorised as sensitive, and 488 fell under the normal category.

Security arrangements were made at the polling stations according to their category.

Of Gilgit's 253 polling stations, 154 were declared highly sensitive, 48 were categorised as sensitive, and 51 as normal. In Ghizer, of 207 stations, 69 were declared highly sensitive, 52 sensitive, and 83 normal.

Of Nagar’s 85 polling stations, 18 were declared highly sensitive, 39 sensitive, and 28 normal, while 24 of Hunza's 88 polling stations were categorised as highly sensitive, 31 as sensitive, and 33 as normal.

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In Skardu, out of 208 polling stations, 69 were declared highly sensitive, 51 sensitive, and 88 normal. Of Shigar's 71 stations, 17 were said to be highly sensitive, 23 sensitive, and 31 normal, while in Kharmang, out of 43 polling stations, 21 were declared highly sensitive, 10 sensitive, and 12 normal.

Similarly, of Ghanche’s 154 polling stations, 26 were categorised as highly sensitive, 39 as sensitive, and 89 as normal, while of 108 polling stations in Astore, 34 were declared highly sensitive, 34 sensitive, and 40 normal.

Finally, of Diamer’s 174 polling stations, 119 were declared highly sensitive, 22 sensitive, and 33 normal.

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The G-B Assembly elections are due to take place on June 7, with the assembly having completed its five-year tenure in November 2025. Elections, originally scheduled for January 24, were postponed due to severe weather conditions.

June 7 was later finalised as the only feasible window before the onset of Muharram in mid-June, which would otherwise have pushed polling into late summer or early autumn.