President Asf Ali Zardari has officially approved the schedule for the upcoming Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly elections, setting the polling date for January 24, 2026, according to an official notification released on Friday.
Following the president’s approval, the Election Commission of Gilgit-Baltistan will issue a detailed election schedule, outlining constituency-wise dates, nomination deadlines, and campaign guidelines for political parties and candidates.
Chief Election Commissioner Abid Ali confirmed that the commission will soon convene an all-parties conference to consult political stakeholders, ensuring transparency and a smooth electoral process across all 24 constituencies in the region.
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The Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly was dissolved on November 24 after completing its five-year term, resulting in the end of Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan’s tenure and his cabinet’s formal dissolution.
Justice (retd) Yar Muhammad Nasir, a former judge of the Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Court, has been sworn in as the caretaker chief minister to oversee administration and facilitate free and fair elections.
In the last elections held in November 2020, PTI secured the majority, electing Khalid Khurshid as chief minister. However, a 2023 court ruling disqualified Khurshid, leading to a coalition government under Gulbar Khan.