G-B assembly elections postponed amid harsh weather

GILGIT: The long-awaited Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly elections have been postponed, with election authorities saying a new date will be announced later, citing worsening weather conditions and concerns over voter and staff safety.

Chief Election Commissioner Raja Shahbaz Khan convened an all-parties conference in Gilgit at which representatives of 19 political parties discussed the fate of the polls originally scheduled for January 24, 2026.

Thirteen parties demanded a postponement of the elections due to severe weather and logistical challenges, while six parties supported sticking with the earlier date.

Taking the majority view into account, the election commissioner formally postponed the January 24 polling date and said a fresh schedule will be announced later.

The earlier election timetable had been finalised following President Asif Ali Zardari’s approval on December 12 for holding general election in Gilgit-Baltistan on January 24.

According to the Election Commission’s previously issued schedule, nomination papers were to be submitted from December 15 to 22, with the preliminary candidate list published on December 23, and the final candidate list and election symbols to be issued by mid-January. District Returning Officers were also appointed to oversee the process across constituencies.

The Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly completed its constitutional five-year term on November 24, 2025, after which caretaker arrangements under Justice (retd) Yar Muhammad were put in place to ensure a smooth transition to the next elected government.

Authorities stressed that the postponement decision was taken in the interest of ensuring the safety of voters, polling staff and security personnel, and to allow for a transparent and orderly electoral process once conditions improve.

Officials have not yet confirmed how long the delay will last or when the elections will be rescheduled; that announcement is expected in the coming days as the weather situation evolves.