ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari on Friday approved the date for the next Gilgit Baltistan elections, confirming that the region will head to the polls on January 24, 2026, according to an official notification issued by the presidency.
Following the approval, Chief Election Commissioner Abid Ali said the Gilgit Baltistan Election Commission will issue a comprehensive schedule in the coming days. He added that the commission plans to convene an all-parties conference soon to consult political stakeholders ahead of the electoral process.
Assembly Dissolution and Caretaker Setup
The Gilgit Baltistan Assembly completed its five-year term and was dissolved on November 24, resulting in the departure of Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan and his cabinet. Justice (retd) Yar Muhammad Nasir, a former judge of the GB Chief Court, has since been sworn in as the region’s caretaker chief minister.
Political Context and Previous Elections
The last Gilgit Baltistan elections took place in November 2020 across 24 constituencies. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) secured the majority, forming the government under Chief Minister Khalid Khurshid. However, Khurshid was disqualified by the GB Chief Court in July 2023, triggering a shift in the political landscape.
A new coalition government—comprising PTI’s breakaway faction alongside the PPP and PML-N—later elected Haji Gulbar Khan as the chief minister.
With the issuance of the January 24 polls date, the region now moves into a crucial transition phase as preparations for the next electoral cycle begin.
