Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly Elections Scheduled for January 24, 2026

President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari officially announced the schedule for the upcoming Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) Assembly elections on Friday, setting the polling date for January 24, 2026. The notification was issued in line with the provisions of the Gilgit-Baltistan Order 2018 and the Election Act, marking the formal start of the electoral process in the region.

Following the completion of the GB Assembly’s five-year tenure, a notification was issued for its dissolution, and all sitting ministers, advisers, and coordinators were officially denotified. In preparation for the elections, Justice (retd) Yar Muhammad was appointed as the Caretaker Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan on November 25, 2025, to ensure a neutral and smooth administrative setup during the election period.

The appointment of the caretaker CM was made under Article 148-A after consultations between the Chairman of the Gilgit-Baltistan Council, the Leader of the Opposition, and the Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs, Amir Muqam. The caretaker setup is tasked with overseeing day-to-day governance, maintaining neutrality, and facilitating free and fair elections for the GB Assembly.

This election marks a significant democratic milestone for Gilgit-Baltistan, as citizens prepare to elect representatives for the next legislative term, while the caretaker administration ensures continuity of governance and adherence to constitutional provisions throughout the electoral process.