Gilgit Baltistan election postponement due to severe weather concerns came only days after authorities announced the poll schedule. On Thursday, the chief election commissioner of Gilgit Baltistan confirmed the delay, pointing to extreme winter conditions across the region. The announcement followed growing pressure from political parties and election officials worried about safety and access.
The Election Commission of Gilgit Baltistan called an all-parties conference to review the situation. Party leaders discussed road closures, snowfall, and risks to voters and polling staff. After hearing concerns from across the political spectrum, the commission moved toward postponement. Gilgit Baltistan election postponement due to severe weather concerns featured prominently in the opening remarks of the meeting.
President Asif Ali Zardari had approved the election schedule just a day earlier. The sudden shift reflected how fast conditions deteriorated in the mountainous region. Weather forecasts showed no improvement, which added urgency to the decision.
Chief Election Commissioner Raja Shahbaz Khan addressed party leaders directly. He said the commission relied on the majority view of political parties rather than acting unilaterally. He stressed that elections under the current conditions could disrupt voting and compromise turnout. Snowbound areas and blocked passes made travel difficult for candidates and election workers alike.
According to the commission, thirteen political parties demanded a delay. Six parties favored sticking to the announced schedule despite the weather. The commission weighed both views before deciding. Raja Shahbaz Khan reminded participants that the commission issued the original schedule on January 24, 2026, without anticipating such severe winter patterns.
The Gilgit Baltistan Assembly completed its five year term and dissolved on November 24. That move ended the tenure of Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan and his cabinet. Authorities later swore in Justice retired Yar Muhammad Nasir as caretaker chief minister to oversee administrative affairs.
The region last held assembly elections in November 2020 across twenty four constituencies. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf secured power and installed Khalid Khurshid as chief minister. Political instability followed in later years. In July 2023, the Gilgit Baltistan Chief Court disqualified Khurshid. After his removal, a fragile coalition involving PTI dissidents, PPP, and PML-N took control and selected Haji Gulbar Khan as chief minister.
Gilgit Baltistan election postponement due to severe weather concerns now reshapes the region’s political timeline and leaves parties recalculating strategies under uncertain conditions.
