Pakistan, June 3 -- Gilgit-Baltistan will hold local government elections on August 2, marking the return of grassroots democracy after an 18-year gap. Chief Election Commissioner Raja Shahbaz Khan announced the schedule on Wednesday and confirmed that election authorities have completed initial arrangements for the long-awaited polls. The development is expected to strengthen local representation and improve public participation in decision-making across the region.

Election officials have already appointed returning officers to oversee the electoral process and ensure smooth conduct of the polls. The local government elections will take place under the Gilgit-Baltistan Election Act 2014, which provides the legal framework for organizin...