Gilgit-Baltistan Caretaker Government 2026: Yar Muhammad Naseer CM, Controversy and Protests over Cabinet
Gilgit Baltistan Caretaker Government Yar Muhammad — Justice (retd) Yar Muhammad Naseer was sworn in as Caretaker Chief Minister of Gilgit Baltistan on 26 November 2025, and his 14-member cabinet was sworn in on 6 January 2026. However, the formation of the caretaker cabinet has become highly contested, and youth activists, opposition parties and civil society have started protests in Gilgit-Baltistan. This is a detailed report of Gilgit Media.
Introduction of Caretaker CM Yar Muhammad Naseer
- Full Name: Justice (Rtd) Yar Muhammad Naseer
- Profession: Former Judge Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Court
- Experience: More than 20 years of service in judicial sector
- Appointment: Appointed caretaker Chief Minister on 26 November 2025
- Oath of Cabinet: 6 January 2026
- Responsibility: Conduct of transparent, free and impartial elections
Formation of 14 member cabinet
The Prime Minister of Pakistan approved a 14-member caretaker cabinet, which has representation from various districts. Important ministries included in the cabinet:
- Ministry of Interior
- Ministry of Finance
- Ministry of Education
- Ministry of Health
- Ministry of Transport
- Ministry of Agriculture
- Ministry of Tourism
- Ministry of Information
What is the controversy over the cabinet?
Main allegations on caretaker cabinet:
- Political Affiliations: Several members of the cabinet are alleged to have been associated with some political party in the past
- Members of the previous government: Certain persons who had previously served in an elected government were included in the Caretaker Cabinet
- Question on neutrality: The opposition says that the fundamental principle of the caretaker setup is complete neutrality, which has been violated.
- Fear of electoral transparency: Such a cabinet may affect the election results before the upcoming June 7 elections.
Where did the protest take place?
Protests against the cabinet spread beyond Gilgit:
- Golgat city: Largest protests, led by youth
- Ghanche: Parallel protest of political parties and civil society
- Nagar: Participation of young students
- Sugar: March led by local leaders
- Hunza: Online Campaign and Social Media Trends
Position of the Opposition
Opposition parties and civil society presented the following demands:
- Controversial cabinet members should be removed
- Maintenance setup is completely neutral
- Election commission supervision should be more strict
- Stop Federal Government Interference
- Independent media reporting should be ensured
Important Announcements by Caretaker CM
Yar Muhammad Naseer announced some important initiatives during his tenure:
- 5G spectrum auction: Called for immediate auction of 5G in March 2026
- Tourism Promotion: Plans to improve facilities for tourists
- Electoral transparency: Environmental monitoring at polling stations
- Security assurance: Commitment to maintain law and order
Previous Government — Haji Gulbar Khan
Haji Gulbar Khan was the Chief Minister before Nagaran setup. On 24 November 2025, his government and assembly were dismissed on completion of their five-year term. Gulbar Khan himself became the CM in July 2023 after the disqualification of Khalid Khurshid.
Future Roadmap
- June 7, 2026 — General Election
- 8-9 June 2026 — Declaration of Results
- Mid-June 2026 — New elected government established
- New CM — on nomination of winning party
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the caretaker CM of Gilgit-Baltistan?
Justice (retd) Yar Muhammad Naseer, former Judge Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Court, is caretaker Chief Minister from November 26, 2025.
What is the controversy over the caretaker cabinet?
The opposition alleges that several cabinet members were affiliated with political parties in the past, affecting the impartiality of the caretaker setup.
In which areas did the protest take place?
In several districts including Gilgit, Ghanche, Nagar, Shagar and Hunza, youth activists, opposition parties and civil society staged protests.
When did the previous government end?
Former CM Haji Gulbar Khan’s government and Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly dissolved on 24 November 2025 on completion of its five-year term.
When will the next elected CM arrive?
After the elections on June 7, 2026, the results are expected on June 8-9, and then the formation of the new government and CM in mid-June 2026.
Sources: Pakistan Today, Pamir Times, Voice of Vienna, DunyaNews, ANI News, Government of Gilgit-Baltistan.
