The Gilgit-Baltistan local government elections will be held on August 2, according to an announcement made by Chief Election Commissioner Raja Shahbaz Khan. The polls, which have faced repeated delays, are expected to restore local governance structures after more than two decades.
Addressing a press conference, Khan confirmed that the election schedule had been formally issued and that returning officers, district returning officers, and assistant returning officers had already been appointed. The announcement marks a significant step forward in the electoral process across the region.
According to the schedule, returning officers will issue public notices on June 6, while candidates will be able to submit nomination papers from June 9 to June 15. The Gilgit-Baltistan local government elections will cover union councils, district councils, town committees, municipal committees, and municipal corporations.
The elections were initially planned for February 14, 2026, shortly after the region’s legislative assembly elections. However, severe weather conditions forced authorities to postpone both electoral exercises indefinitely, creating uncertainty among political parties and residents.
Khan noted that the last local government elections in Gilgit-Baltistan were held in 2004, making this the first such exercise in 22 years. He added that delimitation and demarcation work had been completed under the Local Government Act 2014, paving the way for the upcoming polls.
The election commissioner also highlighted changes in the local governance system. Previously, local administration consisted mainly of district councils and union councils, while urban areas operated through municipal committees. Under the updated framework, town committees, municipal committees, and municipal corporations will play a larger role.
Political parties had expressed concerns that the elections could be pushed back until September or October due to Muharram and other religious observances. With the announcement of the August 2 date, the Gilgit-Baltistan local government elections are now expected to proceed as planned, providing residents with long-awaited local representation.
