The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has postponed local government by-elections scheduled for 9 August 2026 in several areas of Balochistan, citing concerns over the law and order situation, as security restrictions remain in place across a number of districts.
According to an official notification issued by the ECP, the decision was taken under Article 140(A) and Article 218(3) of the Constitution of Pakistan, Section 8 of the Elections Act 2017, and Rule 9 of the Balochistan Local Government (Election) Rules 2013.
The postponement applies to Ward No. 12 of the Municipal Corporation Khuzdar, Ward No. 13 of the Municipal Committee Kalat, Ward No. 3 of Union Council No. 16 in Hub district, and Ward No. 5 of Union Council No. 17.
The ECP stated that polling in these areas had been deferred until further notice due to the prevailing security situation. New polling dates will be announced once conditions improve.
The decision comes as heightened security measures and movement restrictions continue in several districts across Balochistan.
Reports from Kalat, Khuzdar, Noshki, Surab and Zehri indicate that residents have been facing varying levels of restrictions on movement and commercial activity in recent days. While provincial authorities have denied imposing a Balochistan-wide curfew, local administrations have reportedly implemented measures aimed at addressing security concerns.
In Kalat, local sources said residents have been advised to remain indoors during evening hours, while several entry and exit routes to the city have been restricted. Reports from the area also indicate that trenches have been dug along certain roads, affecting traffic flow and public movement.
In Khuzdar, authorities have reportedly instructed businesses and commercial centres to close by 6pm until further notice.
Additional security measures have also been implemented in Turbat, where extra personnel from the Frontier Corps and police have been deployed at various locations across the city. Monitoring and checking procedures at entry and exit points have reportedly been intensified. Section 144 has remained in force in the city for several days.
In Quetta, security has been strengthened around the city’s Red Zone, which remains sealed, while additional Frontier Corps personnel have reportedly been deployed in several neighbourhoods.
Earlier, a police threat alert reportedly warned of a possible attack on Quetta by Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) fighters. However, a government spokesperson later disputed media reports regarding the contents of that notification.
Meanwhile, the district administration in Surab imposed restrictions from the evening of 6 August until the morning of 8 August, citing security concerns. Residents were advised to avoid unnecessary travel and comply with security directives.
Local sources also reported that restrictions have remained in place in parts of Noshki and Zehri for an extended period, while a curfew imposed in the Khadkocha area of Mastung last month is reported to remain in effect.
Authorities have not announced how long the current security measures will remain in place. Officials maintain that the restrictions are intended to address security concerns and ensure public safety, while residents in several affected districts have reported disruptions to daily life, travel and commercial activities.