Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Prepares for Peaceful Local Government By-Elections Amid Enhanced Security Measures

The Provincial Election Commissioner of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Saeed Gul, has convened a high-level meeting to review preparations for the third phase of local government by-elections scheduled for October 19, 2025. The by-elections will be held in seven districts, including Kohat, Dera Ismail Khan, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Malakand, Shangla, and Upper Dir, where 12 village council seats are currently vacant. The meeting focused on ensuring foolproof security and administrative arrangements to facilitate a smooth electoral process.

Key Takeaways:

• The third phase of local government by-elections in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will be held on October 19, 2025, in seven districts.
• A total of 88,359 voters are registered to cast their ballots in this phase, with 66 polling stations and 201 polling booths set up across the districts.
• 23 polling stations have been declared sensitive, while five have been categorised as highly sensitive, based on security assessments.
• Enhanced security arrangements have been made, including the deployment of additional police personnel and installation of CCTV cameras at all sensitive polling stations.
• Control rooms will be established at both the provincial and district levels to monitor developments and address any emerging issues.
• Preliminary arrangements for the upcoming National Assembly by-elections scheduled for November 23, 2025, in NA-1 (Chitral) and NA-18 (Haripur) are also underway.
• Saeed Gul has expressed satisfaction with the overall level of preparedness and thanked the provincial government, police, and district administrations for their cooperation.

Statistics:

• 88,359 voters are registered to cast their ballots in the third phase of local government by-elections.
• There will be 66 polling stations and 201 polling booths set up across the districts.
• 23 polling stations have been declared sensitive, while five have been categorised as highly sensitive.
• 201 polling booths have been established across the districts.
• Control rooms will be operational round the clock with dedicated staff to monitor developments and address any emerging issues.

Sources:

• Saeed Gul, Provincial Election Commissioner of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
• Muhammad Nadeem Khan, Director Elections, in his briefing to the participants of the meeting.
• The Election Commission of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
• The Provincial Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
• The Police Department of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
• The District Administrations of Kohat, Dera Ismail Khan, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Malakand, Shangla, and Upper Dir.