The Gilgit-Baltistan government has completed its five-year term. A new caretaker setup has now taken charge to oversee upcoming elections. Retired Justice Yar Mohammad Khan has been appointed the caretaker chief minister after the term of the GB government expired at midnight on Tuesday. His appointment marks the beginning of the interim administration that will run the region until fresh elections are conducted.
Official Appointment and Constitutional Procedure
The official notification was issued under Article 48-A(2) of the Gilgit-Baltistan Order. It confirmed that the Chairman of the GB Council approved the appointment. The decision was made after consultations with the outgoing chief minister and the leader of the opposition.
Justice Yar Mohammad, a respected legal figure from District Astore, will now lead the caretaker government. His role will be to maintain neutrality, ensure governance stability and supervise preparations for the election of the next Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly.
End of Government Term and Formation of Caretaker Setup
The transition comes after Monday’s de-notification of all ministers, advisers, coordinators and special assistants. These positions were terminated under Section 56(5) of the Gilgit-Baltistan Governance Reforms Act 2019. The move was implemented through the GB (Elections and Caretaker Government) Amendment Order 2020.
A notice from the Law and Prosecution Department, signed by Secretary Sajjad Haider, confirmed that all cabinet and advisory posts now stand dissolved. Officials stated that the decision formally clears the way for the caretaker setup. The interim government will manage day-to-day operations and ensure a free and fair electoral process.
The outgoing assembly completed its term at midnight on Tuesday. Its final session was held earlier in the day. With the new caretaker chief minister in place, the region now moves toward the next phase of its democratic cycle.
