Protests erupted in Gilgit-Baltistan on Saturday against the appointment of 14 members to the caretaker cabinet, with demonstrators alleging bias and poll rigging ahead of GB elections 2026. Eight arrests followed road blockades in Gilgit, as political leaders demanded a review for fair representation.
The Gilgit-Baltistan protests highlight growing concerns over electoral integrity in the strategically vital region, bordering China and India, where impartial governance is key to maintaining peace and development amid South Asia’s geopolitical tensions.
Controversy Hits GB Caretaker Cabinet
The GB caretaker cabinet was notified on 2 January 2026 by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, acting as chairman of the Gilgit-Baltistan Council, under Article 48-A(2) of the Government of Gilgit-Baltistan Order 2018. The 14-member body includes 12 ministers and 2 advisers, appointed on the advice of caretaker Chief Minister Justice (retd) Yar Muhammad Khan.
Official records list the ministers as Dr Niaz Ali, Sajid Ali Baig, Engineer Altaf Hussain, Ghulam Abbas, Colonel (retd) Abrar Ismail, Mehrdad, Sharafuddin, Maulana Sarwar Shah, Raja Shahbaz Khan, Mumtaz Hussain, Syed Adil Shah and Bahadur Ali Khan. Advisers are Syed Fatima and Abdul Hakeem.
The appointments ended a five-week delay since the caretaker chief minister’s oath on 25 November 2025. Government sources state the cabinet will oversee administrative affairs and ensure transparent polls.
However demonstrators from the GB Youth Movement gathered outside the Chief Minister Secretariat in Chinarbagh Gilgit. They blocked River Road protesting what they called controversial picks tied to political parties and past governments. Police arrested eight including movement chairman Azfar Jamshed.
Azfar Jamshed stated: “Unless the youth were taken into confidence in the formation of the caretaker provincial cabinet protests would continue not only in Gilgit but also by GB youth living in other provinces of the country.”
Fears of Poll Rigging in GB Elections 2026
Political figures raised alarms over poll rigging in GB. PML-N GB president Hafeezur Rehman criticised the GB caretaker cabinet for ignoring agreed criteria. He said: “It was previously agreed that the 14-member caretaker cabinet would include representatives from all 10 districts and that no individual who had previously been part of a government or affiliated with a political party would be appointed.”
Rehman added that some appointees violated rules on district and ethnic balance raising questions on fairness for GB elections 2026 set for 24 January.
Leaders from PPP PML-N and civil society in Ghanche Nagar and Shigar districts rejected the setup for lacking representation. Zakir Hussain Kazim of Awami Action Committee Ghanche said: “Appointing three people from a single district while ignoring three other districts raised serious questions about discrimination and the prospects of free and fair elections.”
He warned: “This fuels a sense of deprivation among the people of the border area which may have far-reaching negative effects in the future.”
The Gilgit-Baltistan protests drew condemnation from parties including PML-N PPP and GB Awami Action Committee who demanded the release of arrested protesters.
Background
Gilgit-Baltistan operates under the 2018 Order with an elected assembly dissolved on completion of its term. The caretaker setup bridges to new polls. Past elections in 2020 saw PTI form government but recent terminations of memberships added tensions.
The region faces ongoing issues like power shortages and calls for NFC award funding. Recent unrelated protests in Skardu highlighted public discontent with federal policies but the current Gilgit-Baltistan protests focus on cabinet bias.
Official data shows GB has 10 districts with diverse ethnic groups including Shina Balti and Burushaski speakers. The cabinet aims for balance but critics claim it favours certain areas risking poll rigging in GB.
GB elections 2026 will cover 24 assembly seats with over 700000 voters. The Election Commission of Pakistan oversees but local leaders stress neutral administration to avoid disputes.
What’s Next
Political groups plan further demonstrations in Ghanche Nagar and Shigar if the GB caretaker cabinet is not revised. A sit-in continues until demands for neutral educated youth inclusion are met.
Authorities may release detainees to ease tensions. The caretaker chief minister could address concerns publicly. With GB elections 2026 approaching observers watch for federal intervention to ensure transparency.
The Gilgit-Baltistan protests underscore the need for inclusive governance to prevent escalation in this sensitive area.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, January 4th, 2026
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