Local bodies elections in GB after 18 years

E-Paper | March 15, 2026

GILGIT: Preparations are in full swing for the long-awaited local bodies elections in Gilgit-Baltistan, marking the first time in 18 years that such elections would take place in the region.

According to GB Chief Election Commissioner Raja Shahbaz Khan, elections are scheduled to be held in the last week of November. The delimitation of constituencies is currently in progress, with the demarcation process already completed.

The implementation of the Local Bodies Act, 2014 in GB took place on July 23. Mr Khan further explained that following a comprehensive door-to-door verification of the voter list, a preliminary list has been compiled and will soon be made public.

Additionally, a delegation from the ECP has conducted training sessions for government officials in the region.

According to Mr Khan, Pakistan’s Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja responded to the request from the GB Election Commission by dispatching a specialised team of experts. This team, organised a three-day workshop from October 9 to 11.

The workshop’s primary objective was to provide training to commissioners, deputy commissioners, and assistant commissioners from the Gilgit, Diamer, and Baltistan divisions.

GB Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan spoke at the closing ceremony of the training, making it clear that holding local bodies elections is the foremost priority of his government.

Published in Dawn, October 17th, 2023

Pakistan

Jamil Nagri is a Gilgit-Baltistan-based correspondent for Dawn with over a decade of experience in journalism. His reporting and feature writing focus on CPEC, climate change, the environment, and adventure tourism. He can be found on X at @jamilnagri.

Gilgit-Baltistan launches eco-friendly initiatives

Provincial status for GB won’t affect Kashmir cause: CM

MoU inked to set up women commission in Gilgit-Baltistan

Branded Content

Chery Master Pakistan expands nationwide 3S dealership network: 10 operational, 20 planned by 2027

The nationwide dealership network includes 8 dealerships across six major cities, with two additional dealerships launching in the coming month, expanding the network to 10 dealerships nationwide.

Cardiogen and the molecular language of cardiac renewal: A speculative exploration

This article explores Cardiogen’s molecular characteristics, theorised mechanisms of action and its possible relevance across multiple research domains.

Master MoltyFoam’s Women’s Day initiative supports the next generation of female athletes

This year, Master MoltyFoam used the occasion to highlight the importance of support in sports by launching an initiative focused on encouraging young female athletes in Pakistan.