ISLAMABAD – In a major development for regional politics, Gilgit‑Baltistan elections are officially scheduled to take place on January 24, 2026, after President Asif Ali Zardari approved the election timetable, authorities confirmed on Friday.
The approval marks a key constitutional step in the democratic transition following the dissolution of the previous assembly on November 24, 2025, upon completing its five‑year term. The Election Commission of Gilgit‑Baltistan (ECGB) will soon release a detailed schedule outlining timelines for nominations, scrutiny, and campaigning ahead of the Gilgit‑Baltistan election 2026.
Chief Election Commissioner Abid Ali stated that the commission is preparing to convene an all‑parties conference to bring political stakeholders together for consultations, a step aimed at ensuring smooth and transparent polling across the mountainous region.
In anticipation of the polls, the caretaker government led by Justice (Retd) Yar Muhammad Nasir appointed after the assembly’s dissolution, will oversee the interim administration and election preparations. Historically, the region’s politics have been competitive, with previous legislatures seeing strong showings from the Pakistan Tehreek‑e‑Insaf (PTI), Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), and Pakistan Muslim League‑Nawaz (PML‑N).
Political observers note that the upcoming Gilgit‑Baltistan election 2026 comes at a time when major parties are recalibrating strategies ahead of nationwide contests next year. In a related national development, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari recently urged party colleagues and allies to actively contest elections in other provinces, highlighting cross‑party dynamics that could influence campaign momentum.
Security officials and local administrators are preparing for heightened activity as candidates begin filing their nomination papers, expected soon after the official schedule is published. Voters across all 24 constituencies will cast their ballots in what is expected to be a closely watched election that could reshape governance in Gilgit‑Baltistan.
With Gilgit‑Baltistan elections now formally set for January 24, 2026, political parties and voters alike are gearing up for an intense and historic democratic process in the region.
