The federal government has approved a 14-member caretaker cabinet for Gilgit-Baltistan, marking a key step in the transition toward the formation of a new elected government in the region. A formal notification confirming the appointments was issued on Friday. The caretaker setup will remain in place until elections are held and a new administration assumes office.
According to the notification, the approval was granted by the Prime Minister of Pakistan in his capacity as Chairman of the Gilgit-Baltistan Council. The decision was taken in consultation with the caretaker Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan, in line with constitutional and administrative procedures governing the region.
Composition of the Caretaker Cabinet
The caretaker cabinet comprises 12 ministers and two advisers. The appointments reflect an effort to ensure administrative continuity and balanced representation during the interim period. The cabinet members are expected to manage routine governance matters without making major policy decisions.
The individuals appointed as caretaker ministers include Sajid Ali Baig, Engineer Altaf Hussain, Ghulam Abbas, Colonel (retd) Abrar Ismail, Mehrdad Sharafat Din, Maulana Sarmad Shah, Raja Shehbaz Khan, Mumtaz Hussain, Dr Niaz Ali, Syed Adil Shah, and Bahadur Ali. Each of these figures brings administrative, political, or professional experience relevant to governance in Gilgit-Baltistan.
In addition to the ministers, Saeeda Fatima and Abdul Hakeem have been appointed as advisers in the caretaker cabinet. Their role will be to assist the interim government in specific policy and administrative areas, offering guidance without exercising executive authority.
Role and Responsibilities of the Caretaker Setup
The caretaker government is tasked with overseeing day-to-day administrative affairs in Gilgit-Baltistan. Its primary responsibility is to ensure smooth governance during the transition period. The caretaker cabinet is expected to maintain law and order, manage public services, and facilitate preparations for upcoming elections.
Under established norms, the caretaker administration will refrain from introducing major reforms, development schemes, or long-term policy initiatives. Its focus will remain on neutrality and transparency, ensuring a level playing field for all political parties ahead of the polls.
The formation of the caretaker cabinet is seen as a routine but important step in the democratic process of Gilgit-Baltistan. Observers note that timely notification and consultation with the caretaker chief minister reflect institutional coordination between the federal government and the regional administration.
Significance for Gilgit-Baltistan
Gilgit-Baltistan holds strategic, political, and economic importance for Pakistan. Smooth administrative functioning during transitional phases is considered essential for stability in the region. The caretaker cabinet’s performance will be closely watched by political stakeholders, civil society, and the public.
With the caretaker setup now in place, attention is expected to shift toward the election schedule and political campaigning. The interim government’s ability to ensure fair administration will play a key role in shaping public confidence in the electoral process.
The newly notified caretaker cabinet will remain operational until a newly elected government takes oath and formally assumes charge of Gilgit-Baltistan’s administration.
