President sets January 24 as G-B election date

The President of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari, on Friday announced January 24, 2026 as the polling date for the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly elections, though government sources indicate that the vote is likely to be postponed until 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 across the region will be conducted on the scheduled date.

Read: https://tribune.com.pk/story/2574905/g-b-voter-rolls-near-one-million-ahead-of-polls

Sources explained that presidential approval was a necessary procedural step sought by the chief election commissioner (CEC) to formalise proceedings before any rescheduling could take place. The CEC is expected to announce a revised polling date in due course.

The Gilgit-Baltistan caretaker setup was formed on November 25, following the completion of the five-year term of the Gulbar Khan-led government. Caretaker Chief Minister Justice (Retired) Yar Mohammad took oath the same month.

Read More: ECP strips G-B govt of key powers

According to law, the Election Commission of Pakistan, with the support of the caretaker government, is required to hold elections within 60 days of the caretaker setup's formation.

Meanwhile, the interim cabinet of Gilgit-Baltistan has not yet been notified by the caretaker chief minister.