GB Local Government Act 2026: Major Step | Shyok Times

Gilgit-Baltistan Local Government Act 2026

GILGIT | Shyok Times News Desk:

Gilgit-Baltistan Local Government Act 2026 Passed, Paving Way for First Local Polls in 20+ Years. The Gilgit-Baltistan Local Government Act 2026, in its amended form, was passed by the GB Assembly on Wednesday. This clears the way for the region’s first local bodies elections in more than two decades. The House also approved a bill to establish a Gilgit-Baltistan Information Technology Board.

What the Assembly Approved

The session was chaired by Deputy Speaker Malik Kifayatur Rehman. The amended act passed by majority vote. Local Bodies Minister Zulfiqar Ali Murad introduced the draft.

The assembly had passed the law once before. GB Governor Syed Mehdi Shah returned it for reconsideration after objecting to several provisions. Murad told the House the bill was brought back only after those objections were addressed and the GB Cabinet approved the revised draft.

Opposition members asked for more time to study the amended bill. The majority supported passage, and the Deputy Speaker announced it over the opposition’s dissent.

Key Provisions of the Local Government Act 2026

• Municipal corporations are established in Gilgit, Skardu and Chilas. Elected members will choose mayors and deputy mayors.
• Union councils and district councils are established across all districts.
• A 17% quota for women is reserved in all local bodies.

Why Local Elections Were Delayed

The vote follows months of administrative deadlock. Chief Election Commissioner Raja Shahbaz Khan had scheduled polls for August 2 without consulting the chief minister. The chief minister wanted elections held under the new 2026 act, while the commissioner intended to use the 2014 law. The election commission then postponed the polls.

Election Schedule

Official sources said a date would follow the governor’s assent to the amended bill. The election commission has since announced a revised schedule:

• Phase one, December 5, 2026: municipal corporation seats in Gilgit, Chilas and Skardu.
• April 2027: district councils, municipal committees and union councils in the remaining seven districts.

GB Information Technology Board Bill

The Assembly also approved the bill creating the GB Information Technology Board. The chief minister will chair it, with a minister or adviser as vice chairman.

Chief Minister Amjad Hussain Advocate said the board will address long-standing IT and telecommunications problems and improve internet connectivity for residents. He said governance, tendering, tax collection and other departmental functions are moving online.

“The board will invite foreign investors, bring stakeholders to GB from other provinces, and establish IT parks and other facilities for locals, particularly the youth,” he said, adding that the prime minister will inaugurate it.

What Happens Next

The Gilgit-Baltistan Local Government Act 2026 still needs the governor’s signature to become law. The December 5 municipal polls depend on that assent and on the election commission’s preparations.

External Resources (DoFollow):
Keep reading via DAWN:  Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly passes Local Govt Act 2026