Justice (retd) Yar Muhammad on Wednesday took oath as the third caretaker chief minister of Gilgit-Baltistan, marking an important transition for the region ahead of the upcoming elections.

The oath-taking ceremony took place at the Governor House Gilgit, where Governor Syed Mehdi Shah formally administered the oath.

The event drew significant political and administrative representation. Federal Minister Amir Muqam was among the attendees, along with senior political figures, judges, and civil and military officials.

Officials described the ceremony as orderly and symbolic of the province’s ongoing democratic process.

Key appointment

By assuming the role, Justice (retd) Yar Muhammad becomes the third caretaker chief minister in Gilgit-Baltistan’s political history. His interim leadership will oversee administrative continuity and the preparations required for the electoral process in the region.

On Nov 25, Gilgit-Baltistan’s five-year constitutional term officially came to an end, leading to the dissolution of the GB Assembly and the appointment of Justice (retd) Yar Muhammad Khan as the region’s new caretaker chief minister.

Also Read: Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly dissolved as 5-year term ends

The move, approved by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif following mandatory consultations, set the stage for the upcoming general elections in the mountainous region.

According to a notification issued by the Law Department in Gilgit, Justice (retd) Khan had formally assumed the role of caretaker chief minister. His appointment was finalized after consultations between the outgoing chief minister, the opposition leader, and the federal minister for Kashmir Affairs.

Justice (retd) Khan, who hailed from Nasirabad village in Astore district, became the third caretaker chief minister in Gilgit-Baltistan’s political history. Once his cabinet is formed, the caretaker government will take over administrative responsibilities until the next GB Assembly is elected.