Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly approves amended local government law and IT board

The Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly, led by Deputy Speaker Malik Kifayatur Rehman, approved the amended Local Government Act 2026, paving the way for the first local-body elections in the region since the early 2000s. The legislation creates municipal corporations in the cities of Gilgit, Skardu and Chilas, and introduces union and district councils across all districts. The amendment came after the governor returned an earlier version and after the chief election commissioner’s unilateral scheduling of a poll that was later postponed.

The assembly also passed a separate bill establishing a GB Information Technology Board, appointing the chief minister as chairman and a minister or adviser as vice-chairman, with a mandate to improve digital services and attract investment. Chief Minister Amjad Hussain Advocate highlighted plans to shift government functions online and to develop IT parks for local youth. The new election date will be announced once the governor signs the act.