GB Election Commission Postpones General Elections Amid Severe Weather
The Gilgit Baltistan Election Commission on Thursday announced the postponement of general elections in the region, citing severe weather conditions that could hinder the electoral process.
The decision was announced by Gilgit Baltistan Chief Election Commissioner Raja Shahbaz Khan following an all-parties conference (APC) convened to assess the feasibility of holding elections under prevailing climatic conditions.
Decision After All-Parties Conference
Addressing participants at the APC, the chief election commissioner said the decision to delay the polls was taken in line with the majority opinion of political parties. He noted that worsening winter conditions across Gilgit Baltistan made it impractical to proceed with elections as scheduled.
According to the Election Commission, 13 political parties demanded postponement of the polls, while six parties expressed their willingness to proceed under the existing schedule.
“The elections cannot be conducted under the current circumstances due to unfavourable weather conditions,” the chief election commissioner said, adding that the safety of voters, candidates and election staff remained a top priority.
Election Schedule and Weather Concerns
The Election Commission had issued the election schedule on January 24, 2026, following approval by President Asif Ali Zardari. However, days after the announcement, concerns emerged over the impact of severe winter weather on accessibility and logistics across the mountainous region.
Election officials noted that heavy snowfall, road closures and extreme cold could significantly disrupt polling activities and voter turnout in remote areas.
Political Context
The Gilgit Baltistan Assembly was dissolved on November 24 after completing its constitutional five-year term, leading to the dissolution of Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan’s cabinet.
Following the dissolution, Justice (retd) Yar Muhammad Nasir, a former judge of the Gilgit Baltistan Chief Court, was sworn in as caretaker chief minister to oversee administrative affairs until elections are held.
Previous Elections and Government Changes
The last general elections in Gilgit Baltistan were held in November 2020 across 24 constituencies. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) emerged as the largest party and formed the government, with Khalid Khurshid elected as chief minister.
However, in July 2023, the Gilgit Baltistan Chief Court disqualified Khalid Khurshid from office. Following his removal, a coalition government was formed comprising members of PTI’s dissident faction, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N). Haji Gulbar Khan was subsequently elected chief minister.
Way Forward
While the Election Commission has not yet announced a revised election schedule, officials indicated that fresh dates would be set once weather conditions improve and logistical challenges subside.
The postponement underscores the unique geographical and climatic challenges of conducting elections in Gilgit Baltistan, particularly during the peak winter season.
