Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly passes ‘amended’ Local Govt Act 2026
• Clears path for local bodies polls delayed for over two decades; election date to be announced after governor’s assent; municipal corporations set up in Gilgit, Skardu, and Chilas; 17pc quota reserved for women • House also approves bill to establish GB Information Technology Board GILGIT: The Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) Assembly on Wednesday cleared the way for the region’s first local bodies…
In a historic vote, the Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) Assembly passed the amended GB Local Government Act 2026, paving the way for local bodies elections that had been delayed for over two decades. The legislation, introduced by GB Minister for Local Bodies Zulfiqar Ali Murad, sets the stage for municipal corporations in Chilas, Gilgit, and Skardu, where elected members will choose mayors and deputy mayors.
Union councils and district councils have also been established in all districts, with a 17pc quota reserved for women in all local bodies. The bill was reintroduced after the governor's initial objections were addressed and the revised draft approved by the GB Cabinet. Additionally, the assembly unanimously approved a separate bill to establish the GB Information Technology Board, which will be chaired by the chief minister and vice chaired by a minister or adviser.
The new board aims to tackle IT and telecommunications challenges, improve internet connectivity, and bring stakeholders to the region.
Written by urgent.news from Dawn - Pakistan's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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