Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly passes local Government Act 2026

GILGIT: Gilgit-Baltistan has moved closer to holding local government elections for the first time in more than two decades after the regional assembly passed an amended Local Government Act 2026, potentially ending a prolonged political and administrative deadlock over the polls.

The legislation was approved by a majority vote during Wednesday’s assembly session, chaired by Deputy Speaker Malik Kifayatur Rehman. The bill now awaits the governor’s assent, after which authorities are expected to announce a new election date.

The assembly had previously passed the legislation, but Governor Syed Mehdi Shah returned it for reconsideration after raising objections to several provisions. Local Bodies Minister Zulfiqar Ali Murad reintroduced the amended draft after the provincial cabinet approved revisions addressing the governor’s concerns.

Opposition members called for additional time to examine the revised legislation before voting. However, the treasury benches secured its passage despite objections from the opposition.

Under the amended law, municipal corporations will be established in Gilgit, Skardu and Chilas, where elected representatives will choose mayors and deputy mayors. Union councils and district councils will also be formed across all districts to strengthen local-level administration.

The legislation reserves a 17 per cent quota for women in local government bodies, providing a framework for greater female representation in elected local institutions.

The development follows months of uncertainty over the election schedule and the legal framework under which the polls would be conducted.

The dispute intensified after Chief Election Commissioner Raja Shahbaz Khan scheduled local government elections for August 2 without consulting Chief Minister Amjad Hussain Advocate. The chief minister insisted that the polls should be held under the new 2026 law, while the election commissioner intended to use the previous 2014 legislation.

The disagreement ultimately led to the postponement of the elections.

Official sources said a fresh schedule would be announced after the governor signs the amended bill into law.

IT board approved

In a separate development, the assembly unanimously approved legislation establishing the Gilgit-Baltistan Information Technology Board to address longstanding problems involving telecommunications and internet connectivity.

Under the law, the chief minister will serve as the board’s chairman, while a minister or adviser will hold the position of vice chairman.

Chief Minister Amjad Hussain said the initiative would support the digital transformation of government departments, including governance, tendering and tax collection.

He said the board would seek foreign investment, attract stakeholders from other provinces and establish IT parks and related facilities, particularly for young people.

The chief minister added that improving access to high-speed internet would help expand digital opportunities across the mountainous region. The board is expected to be inaugurated by the prime minister.

The assembly’s decisions mark two significant legislative developments for Gilgit-Baltistan, with the local government law bringing long-delayed elections closer and the IT board aiming to strengthen the region’s digital infrastructure.