GILGIT: While the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly elections concluded on June 7, the aftermath of the campaign continues to affect the city’s appearance, with banners, flags, and posters still visible across major roads and public spaces.
During the election campaign, political parties and candidates extensively displayed promotional material at intersections, bridges, public buildings, and along key thoroughfares. However, despite the completion of the electoral process, no comprehensive cleanup operation has yet been undertaken.
Torn banners hanging from poles, discarded flags scattered along roadsides, and election slogans painted on walls have become a common sight in Gilgit, drawing criticism from residents who say the materials are diminishing the city’s natural beauty and contributing to environmental pollution.
Prior to the elections, the Election Commission of Gilgit-Baltistan had issued a code of conduct prohibiting wall chalking and the placement of banners on public property.
Chief Election Commissioner Raja Shahbaz Khan had directed political stakeholders to ensure an environmentally responsible campaign and warned of action against violations.
However, residents argue that enforcement remained limited and that the post-election removal of campaign materials has been largely neglected.
Citizens have called on the relevant authorities and political parties to immediately remove leftover campaign materials and restore the city’s cleanliness and aesthetic appeal.
The Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly elections were held on 24 general seats, with 403 candidates contesting.
Despite actions taken against some violations during the campaign, residents say there appears to be no effective mechanism in place to ensure the removal of election-related materials once polling has concluded.
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