The Gilgit-Baltistan election commission announced on Thursday that the GB elections scheduled for January 24, 2026 have been postponed due to worsening and perilous weather conditions across the mountainous region.
The decision came after an All Parties Conference (APC) convened by the Election Commission of Gilgit-Baltistan in Gilgit reviewed severe winter forecasts and logistical challenges that could jeopardize voter safety, election staff mobility, and the electoral process itself.
Chief Election Commissioner Raja Shahbaz Khan said that holding the GB assembly polls under current conditions would present “serious challenges” for voters, candidates, election workers and security personnel, making it difficult to ensure a smooth and transparent election.
Thirteen political parties attending the APC supported the postponement, while a smaller group, including members of major national parties, preferred to adhere to the original date despite the forecast of heavy snowfall and icy roads. Extreme winter weather in Gilgit-Baltistan often disrupts transportation, cuts off remote valleys and poses safety hazards, especially for elderly and rural voters.
The GB Assembly was dissolved on November 24 after completing its constitutional five-year term, prompting the caretaker government to assume administrative duties ahead of the polls. Earlier, President Asif Ali Zardari had approved the January 24, 2026 election schedule under the Gilgit-Baltistan Order 2018 and the Election Act 2017.
Officials confirmed that a new election date will be announced once weather conditions improve and allow safe access for voters across GB’s 24 constituencies. This postponement follows evolving logistical assessments as authorities balance constitutional timelines with climatic realities.
In the meantime, long-awaited developments related to Gilgit-Baltistan’s democratic calendar continue to unfold. For example, local government elections, set for February 14, 2026, remain scheduled as authorities prepare separate polls for Union and District Councils.
Meanwhile, political analysts and voters alike are watching developments closely, including updates on the Gilgit-Baltistan election date, originally planned for January, as authorities prepare to share a revised schedule that ensures both safety and participation.
The Gilgit-Baltistan election commission postpones elections headline highlights ongoing challenges in balancing democratic obligations with natural elements in one of Pakistan’s most rugged territories.
