The Gilgit Baltistan caretaker cabinet is set to formally assume its responsibilities today as members take oath at the Governor’s House in Gilgit, marking an important transition phase for the region. The oath-taking ceremony, scheduled for 11am, comes five weeks after the appointment of the caretaker chief minister and signals the official start of interim governance ahead of the next Gilgit Baltistan Assembly elections.
Formal Beginning of the Caretaker Setup
The oath will be administered by Speaker of the Gilgit Baltistan Legislative Assembly, Nazir Ahmed Advocate. With this ceremony, the Gilgit Baltistan caretaker cabinet will begin its mandate to manage day-to-day affairs, ensure administrative continuity, and facilitate a transparent electoral process. Caretaker Chief Minister Justice (retd) Yar Mohammad had already taken oath on November 26, following the completion of the previous assembly’s term.
The delay in forming the full cabinet drew public attention, but the announcement on January 2 resolved uncertainty around interim governance. Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, acting as chairman of the Gilgit-Baltistan Council, approved the 14-member cabinet on the advice of the caretaker chief minister.
Composition of the Cabinet
The Gilgit Baltistan caretaker cabinet comprises 12 ministers and two advisers, including one woman, reflecting an attempt at inclusive representation. Each member has been assigned specific portfolios to ensure smooth administration during the interim period.
Colonel (retd) Abrar Ismail has been entrusted with key economic portfolios, including finance, planning, and development. These roles are considered crucial for maintaining fiscal discipline and managing ongoing development projects without political influence.
Engineer Altaf Hussain has been given charge of local government and rural development, while Mehrdad will oversee the food department. Maulana Sarwar Shah has been appointed minister for minerals and industries, a vital sector for Gilgit Baltistan’s economic future. Environmental concerns will be handled by Maulana Sharafat Din, who has been assigned forests, wildlife, and environment.
Focus on Social and Human Development
Several appointments within the Gilgit Baltistan caretaker cabinet highlight attention to social sectors. Syed Adeel Shah will manage sports, culture, and youth affairs, areas closely linked to community engagement and regional identity. Engineer Mumtaz Hussain has taken charge of water and power, a department central to daily life and infrastructure stability.
Education and law have been assigned to Bahadur Ali, while Dr Niaz Ali will head the health ministry. These portfolios are particularly significant as the caretaker government is expected to maintain essential services without initiating major policy changes.
Tourism, excise and taxation, and works and communications have been assigned to Raja Shahbaz Khan, reflecting the importance of tourism and connectivity to the region’s economy. Meanwhile, Syeda Fatima has been designated portfolios related to social welfare, population welfare, and women development, making her the sole woman in the caretaker cabinet.
Agriculture, livestock, fisheries, and water management have been assigned to Abdul Hakeem, sectors that support livelihoods for a large segment of the population.
Role and Responsibilities of the Caretaker Government
The primary responsibility of the Gilgit Baltistan caretaker cabinet is to ensure neutrality, administrative stability, and fairness until an elected government takes office. Caretaker setups are constitutionally meant to avoid major policy decisions and focus instead on governance, law and order, and election facilitation.
This interim arrangement follows the formal de-notification of the previous provincial cabinet after the assembly’s tenure expired on November 24. The last assembly session featured extensive reflections by members from both treasury and opposition benches, who highlighted achievements as well as unresolved challenges from the past five years.
Political Context and Background
The last Gilgit Baltistan Assembly elections were held on November 15, 2020, across 24 constituencies. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) formed the government at that time, with Khalid Khurshid elected as chief minister. However, political instability followed when the Gilgit Baltistan Chief Court disqualified Khurshid in July 2023.
After his removal, a coalition government was formed with support from PTI’s disgruntled faction, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N). Haji Gulbar Khan was subsequently elected chief minister, completing the remainder of the assembly’s term.
As the Gilgit Baltistan caretaker cabinet takes oath, public expectations center on transparency, administrative efficiency, and fair elections. While the caretaker government’s role is temporary, its performance will be closely watched by political parties, civil society, and voters alike.
The coming weeks will be crucial for setting the tone for the next electoral process and ensuring that Gilgit Baltistan transitions smoothly toward an elected government. In this context, the caretaker cabinet’s neutrality and adherence to constitutional limits will play a decisive role in maintaining public trust and political stability in the region.
