GILGIT: The Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly has passed an amended Local Government Act 2026, moving the region closer to holding local elections after a gap of more than two decades. The assembly approved the legislation by majority vote on 14 October during a sitting chaired by Deputy Speaker Malik Kifayatur Rehman. Minister for Local Bodies Zulfiqar Ali Murad presented the revised bill.
The assembly had previously approved a version of the law, but Governor Syed Mehdi Shah returned it for reconsideration. Murad said the latest draft addressed the governor’s objections and received cabinet approval before returning to the assembly.
Opposition raises procedural concerns
Opposition lawmakers objected to taking up the amended bill without more time to examine it. The majority nevertheless voted in favour.
According to Dawn’s account of the proceedings, the framework provides for municipal corporations in Gilgit, Skardu and Chilas, with elected members selecting mayors and deputy mayors. It also provides for union and district councils and reserves 17% of local-body representation for women. The final amended text was not independently available in the assembly’s online acts register when this report was prepared; these details are therefore attributed to the published account of the proceedings.
Election date still to be announced
Local elections in Gilgit-Baltistan have been delayed for more than 20 years. An earlier plan to hold polling on 2 August encountered disagreement over whether elections should proceed under the previous 2014 framework or new legislation, and polling was postponed.
Officials cited in the reporting said a new date would be announced after the governor grants assent. Assembly approval does not itself establish an election date or confirm that every legislative stage is complete.
Residents should look for the governor’s decision, publication of the final legislation and a formal election schedule.
Sources: Dawn, 15 October 2026; Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly acts register.