The Election Commission of Gilgit-Baltistan (ECGB) has released the Gilgit-Baltistan poll schedule, marking the formal beginning of the election process for the next provincial assembly. The notification outlines key dates and procedures that political parties and candidates must follow in the coming weeks.
According to the official announcement, polling for the provincial elections will take place on 24 January 2026. The Gilgit-Baltistan poll schedule includes several important milestones, starting with the issuance of the preliminary list of candidates on 9 December 2025.
The scrutiny of nomination papers will be conducted on 16 December, while 20 December has been set as the final date for filing objections. Decisions on these objections will be issued on 27 December, followed by the release of the final list of contesting candidates on 28 December 2025.
Candidates will be allowed to withdraw their nomination papers until 29 December, and electoral symbols will be allotted on 30 December 2025, as per the Gilgit-Baltistan poll schedule.
The ECGB has urged political parties, candidates, and election staff to strictly adhere to the announced timeline to ensure a transparent and well-managed election process. Officials stressed that timely compliance is essential for smooth polling across all constituencies.
The election preparations come shortly after Justice (Retd) Yar Muhammad Nasser took oath as the caretaker Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan. The oath was administered by Governor Syed Mehdi Shah in a ceremony attended by Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs Amir Muqam, Chief Justice Rana Shamim, and former Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan.
The caretaker chief minister reiterated his commitment to holding elections within the designated timeframe. The previous Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly completed its five-year constitutional term on 24 November 2025, after which it was formally dissolved.
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With the poll date now confirmed, political activity in the region is expected to intensify as parties prepare for a crucial electoral contest.
