The President announces the polling date for the 33-seat assembly. Gilgit-Baltistan elections on January 24 will see voters choose a new legislative assembly. President Asif Ali Zardari approved the date on 12 December 2025. Polling occurs on Saturday, 24 January 2026. The announcement follows the expiry of the assembly’s five-year term in November 2025.
Gilgit-Baltistan Election Date Announced
The announcement of the Gilgit-Baltistan election date marks the start of electoral preparations. The GB Council issued the notification. It cites Article 48-A (1) of the Gilgit-Baltistan Order, 2018, and Section 57 (1) of the Election Act, 2017.
Candidates submit nomination papers from 15 to 22 December 2025. The list of nominees appears on 23 December. Returning officers scrutinise papers on 30 December. Appeals against decisions filed by 3 January 2026. The election tribunal will decide appeals by January 10. The final candidate list was issued on 11 January. Candidates withdraw papers on 12 January. Election symbols allotted on 13 January.
Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly Elections Schedule Details
Gilgit-Baltistan assembly elections schedule outlines a structured timeline. The Election Commission appointed returning officers across 10 districts. District and Sessions Judge Ameer Hamza handles the Gilgit area. Khursheed Ahmed covers Skardu. Suhail Ahmed manages Diamer.
Luqman Hakeem serves Ghizer. Raja Mehnaj oversees Astore. Deputy Commissioner Nizamuddin takes Hunza. District and Sessions Judge Minhas Hussain covers Nagar. Muhammad Ishaq handles Ganche. Muhammad Sharif manages Kharmang. Deputy Director of Education, Manzoor Hussain, appointed for Shigar. The assembly comprises 33 seats. These include 24 general seats, six reserved for women, and 3 for technocrats.
Background of GB Assembly Polls 2026
The GB assembly polls 2026 follow the previous elections held on 15 November 2020. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf formed the government then. Khalid Khurshid initially served as chief minister. The GB Chief Court disqualified him in July 2023.
A coalition of PTI dissidents, PPP, and PML-N elected Haji Gulbar Khan as chief minister. The assembly adopted 63 Acts during its term. These included land reforms and six federal laws. It passed 114 resolutions. One demanded provisional provincial status for Gilgit-Baltistan. The assembly dissolved on 24 November 2025. Retired Judge Yar Muhammad Nasir was sworn in as caretaker chief minister. South Asia tracks regional governance closely. Gilgit-Baltistan holds strategic importance in northern Pakistan.
Local issues dominate campaigns. These include development, resources, and administrative reforms. Political parties prepare strategies. Major groups eye influence in the mountainous region.
What’s Next for Gilgit-Baltistan Elections January 24
Parties file nominations soon. Scrutiny and appeals follow quickly. The Election Commission plans an all-parties conference. It aims to ensure transparency. Campaigns will intensify in the coming weeks. Winter conditions may pose challenges to outreach.
Voters decide representation across districts. Results shape regional policies. Caretaker sets up the oversight of the fair process. Administration focuses on orderly conduct. The announcement of the Gilgit-Baltistan election date triggers active preparations. GB assembly polls 2026 test political alignments. Gilgit-Baltistan assembly elections schedule provides clear milestones. The Gilgit-Baltistan elections on January 24 mark the conclusion of the transitional phase.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, December 13th, 2025
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