GILGIT: President Dr Arif Alvi has approved the election schedule for the Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly.

According to the federal Ministry of Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan, polls will be held on Aug 18 this year.

The GB Legislative Assembly was dissolved on completion of its term on June 24 and as per the law elections have to be held within 60 days to elect new members.

The GB Election Commission will hold the elections in 24 constituencies of the region.

Mir Afzal, a former deputy inspector general of police, has already taken oath as caretaker chief minister of Gilgit-Baltistan. Acc­ording to officials, the 12-member caretaker cabinet will take oath on Monday (today).

Legislature dissolved on 24th on completion of its term

Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Ali Ameen Gandapur said in a statement that holding of free and fair elections is the main priority of the government and expressed the hope that the caretaker chief minister would fulfil his duty in the best manner.

He said conducting the elections during the Covid-19 outbreak was a challenge, adding that standard operating procedures would be strictly implemented during campaigns and on polling day. He said law and order would be maintained to ensure peaceful elections in Gilgit-Baltistan.

The minister appealed to the people from all walks of life to play their part in completing the election process so that every citizen could exercise their right to franchise.

Published in Dawn, June 29th, 2020