GILGIT: Justice (r) Yar Muhammad was formally sworn in as the new Caretaker Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan, marking his position as the third caretaker chief executive in the region’s political history.
The oath-taking ceremony, held with official protocol and state decorum, was administered by Governor Syed Mehdi Shah.
The ceremony was attended by a broad spectrum of dignitaries, including prominent political personalities, members of the judiciary, and senior civil and military officials.
Federal Minister Ameer Muqam was also present, underscoring the federal government’s engagement in the administrative transition.
Justice (R) Yar Muhammad originates from Nasirabad village in the Astore district, an area known for its strategic importance and strong administrative traditions.
Once the caretaker cabinet is constituted, the interim government will assume full administrative responsibilities and oversee governance matters until the upcoming general elections. The caretaker setup is expected to ensure transparency, neutrality, and continuity during this transitional phase.
Earlier, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of Gilgit-Baltistan, Raja Shehbaz Khan, confirmed that the constitutional term of both the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly and the regional government concluded on November 24, 2025. He reiterated that the general elections are scheduled for February 2026, with preparations already underway.
The CEC further stated that the updated voter rolls now comprise more than 991,000 registered voters. As part of the electoral process, the Election Commission has dispatched voter lists to all assistant commissioners across the region.
These lists will be publicly displayed in all 25 constituencies starting tomorrow, allowing citizens to review their registration details ahead of the polls.
