(Web Desk) – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his capacity as Chairman Gilgit Baltistan Council, has appointed Justice (retired) Yar Muhammad Khan as the caretaker Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan following the end of CM Gulbar Khan’s tenure and the dissolution of the region’s assembly.
According to a notification issued by the Gilgit-Baltistan Council, the appointment of the caretaker chief minister has been made under Article 48-A(2) of the Gilgit-Baltistan Order 2018.
Justice Yar Muhammad will lead the interim administration until elections to the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly are held.
The transition follows Monday’s denotification of all ministers, advisers, coordinators and special assistants to the chief minister.
The Law and Prosecution Department, in a notice signed by Secretary Sajjad Haider, announced that the positions stood terminated under Section 56(5) of the Gilgit-Baltistan Governance Reforms Act 2019, enforced through the GB (Elections and Caretaker Government) Amendment Order 2020.
Justice Yar Muhammad will take oath as the caretaker chief minister of Gilgit-Baltistan on Tuesday (today), following the end of Chief Minister Gulbar Khan’s tenure.
GB Governor Syed Mehdi Shah will administer the oath to Justice Yar as caretaker chief minister.
The Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly and government were dissolved at midnight on Monday after completing their constitutional term. With the assembly’s dissolution, the region’s government also stood dissolved, according to an official announcement.
Justice (retd) Yar Khan, who belongs to Astore, retired as a judge of the GB Chief Court. He holds a degree in Shariah and Law from the International Islamic University Islamabad, which he completed in 2008.
Justice (retd) Yar has a vast experience in the field of law and judiciary. After obtaining his LLB degree from Karachi, Justice Yar practised law in Gilgit-Baltistan for nearly 15 years.
He passed the Civil Judge examination through the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC), after which he served in various judicial positions. He served as a District and Sessions Judge, Registrar of the Chief Court, and later as a Judge of the Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Court.
During his tenure as a judge, he heard important constitutional and civil cases. He was also part of the Election Tribunal, where he examined appeals related to election disputes and nominations.
As a judge, his role remained non-controversial and professional. After retirement, he continued to contribute to the legal field. He is currently associated with “The Legal Acumen” as a mentor, where he guides young lawyers and provides consultation on constitutional, civil, and appellate matters.
