GB Assembly dissolved; Yar Muhammad Nasir appointed caretaker CM

GILGIT: The Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly was formally dissolved at midnight after completing its five-year constitutional term, paving the way for a caretaker administration that will oversee the region until fresh elections are held.

Following the dissolution, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif approved the appointment of Justice (retd) Yar Muhammad Nasir as the caretaker chief minister. The Cabinet Division subsequently issued an official notification confirming his appointment, which also designates him as Chairman of the Gilgit-Baltistan Council during the interim period.

The transition comes after the government and opposition failed to agree on a mutually acceptable candidate for the caretaker slot, prompting the matter to be referred to the prime minister. Earlier reports indicated that a three-name summary, including Mustafa Madni Rawat, Mohammad Ali Qaed and Raja Nazim, had been forwarded for consideration before the final decision was reached.

With the term of Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan’s government ending at 12 AM, administrative control has now shifted to the caretaker setup. Officials say the interim government is expected to assume full responsibilities immediately.

The caretaker administration will be tasked with conducting the upcoming Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly elections, which are set to be held under the Federal Election Act 2017, marking a significant procedural shift for the region.

Election schedules are likely to be announced in the coming weeks as the caretaker government begins preparations for the polls.