GILGIT (MNN); Retired Justice Yar Muhammad Khan has been appointed as the caretaker chief minister of Gilgit-Baltistan following the completion of the regional government’s five-year term at midnight on Tuesday.
The official notification, issued under Article 48-A(2) of the Gilgit-Baltistan Order, confirmed that the Chairman of the GB Council approved Justice Yar Muhammad’s appointment after consulting with the outgoing chief minister and the leader of the opposition.
Hailing from District Astore, he will oversee the interim administration until elections to the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly are held.
This transition comes after the de-notification of all ministers, advisers, coordinators, and special assistants to the chief minister on Monday.
The Law and Prosecution Department, in a notice signed by Secretary Sajjad Haider, stated that the positions were terminated under Section 56(5) of the Gilgit-Baltistan Governance Reforms Act 2019, as enforced through the GB (Elections and Caretaker Government) Amendment Order 2020.
Officials said these steps formally pave the way for the caretaker government to manage daily administrative affairs and ensure a smooth, transparent electoral process.
The outgoing assembly completed its full term at midnight, with its final session held earlier on Tuesday.
Gilgit-Baltistan, a semi-autonomous region in northern Pakistan, has its own legislative assembly and a council system under federal oversight.
The appointment of a caretaker government is a constitutional requirement to ensure neutrality and fairness during the election period. Justice Yar Muhammad Khan, known for his judicial experience and administrative acumen, is expected to lead a neutral setup to oversee the upcoming elections.
