Government sources indicate likely postponement to June, July due to severe weather
Gilgit-Baltistan Election Commission. Photo: ecgb.gov.pk/
The President of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari, announced Friday 24 January 2026 as the polling date for the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly elections, although government sources indicate that the poll is likely to be postponed to June or July due to harsh winter conditions.
According to an official notification issued under Article 48-A(1) of the Gilgit-Baltistan Order 2018 and Section 57(1) of the Election Act 2017, polling in the entire region will be conducted on the scheduled date.
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Sources explained that the President’s approval was a necessary procedural step sought by the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) to formalize the procedure before any reshuffle could take place. The CEC is expected to announce a revised voting date at a later date.
The Gilgit-Baltistan caretaker setup was formed on 25 November after the end of the five-year term of the Gulbar Khan-led government. Caretaker Chief Minister Justice (retired) Yar Mohammad was sworn in the same month.
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According to the law, the Election Commission of Pakistan, with the support of the interim government, is required to hold elections within 60 days of the formation of the interim setup.
Meanwhile, the caretaker cabinet of Gilgit-Baltistan is yet to be informed by the caretaker chief minister.
