Gilgit (C.R Akbar): In Astore By-Election held on September 9, 2023, following the disqualification of former CM GB Khalid Khursheed, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) emerged victorious, defeating both PPP and Muslim League-N.
According to the unofficial results, Muhammad Khurshid Khan, the Tehreek-e-Insaf candidate, and the father of the former Chief Minister, secured 6219 votes. Meanwhile, Rana Farman Ali from the Muslim League-N received 5225 votes, and PPP’s nominee, Abdul Hameed Khan, garnered 3909 votes.
Voting started at 8 AM and continued until 5 PM. There were no significant adverse events reported during the voting, except for a few minor scuffles in some polling stations.
In response to PTI’s surprising and overwhelming victory, jubilant celebrations unfolded, marked by fireworks and enthusiastic dancing by party workers throughout Astore.
Following their unexpected victory, PTI representatives attributed the win to the people of Astore, who, they stated, voted for “prisoner no. 804,” development, and the party’s ideology. They credited this success to the leadership of Imran Khan and former CM GB Khalid Khurshid.
This surprising victory, securing 6219 votes across 56 polling stations, stood as a testament to the PTI candidate’s significant margin of victory.
It’s worth noting that Justice Muhammad Khurshid Khan had previously served as a Member of the Assembly in 1972-71.
Former Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan, Khalid Khurshid Khan, played a crucial role in this victory by actively and energetically campaigning in support of his father and the party.
