The President of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari, on Friday announced January 24, 2026 as the polling date for the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly elections, though government sources indicate that the vote is likely to be postponed until June or July due to harsh winter conditions.

According to an official notification issued under Article 48-A(1) of the Gilgit-Baltistan Order 2018 and Section 57(1) of the Election Act 2017, polling across the region will be conducted on the scheduled date.

Sources explained that presidential approval was a necessary procedural step sought by the chief election commissioner (CEC) to formalise proceedings before any rescheduling could take place. The CEC is expected to announce a revised polling date in due course.

The Gilgit-Baltistan caretaker setup was formed o

See Full Page