Ghulam Abbas, caretaker information minister of Gilgit Baltistan, said the interim setup’s foremost priority is to ensure that the upcoming GB Elections are conducted in a fair and transparent manner. He underlined the administration’s commitment to media freedom and said the caretaker chief minister has directed officials to highlight and resolve citizens’ everyday problems.
Speaking at the National Press Club Islamabad’s Meet the Press program alongside spokesperson Shabbir Mir, NPC president Azhar Jatoi, GB Journalists Forum president Abrar Astori, governing body member Jafar Balti and former RIUJ president Abid Abbasi, Abbas received a warm welcome from the press club. A longtime journalist and NPC member, he described Gilgit as an important unit of Pakistan and said the people of Gilgit Baltistan are firmly linked to the country.
Abbas noted that the previous government’s term ended in November 2025 and that Justice (retd) Yar Muhammad was appointed caretaker chief minister. He stressed that the caretaker setup will work to provide an environment for peaceful, transparent GB Elections and assured that all political parties will be allowed to participate.
On media issues, Abbas reiterated belief in freedom of the press and promised to ensure health cards for journalists as well as timely payment of salaries. He said the information ministry will work closely with the Ministry of IT to address internet, coverage and IT problems affecting the region.
Highlighting infrastructure concerns, he acknowledged that 4G service remains scarce in many parts of Gilgit Baltistan and said efforts are underway to resolve electricity and connectivity issues as quickly as possible. Abbas also dismissed what he called recurring negative propaganda from India, saying it would not affect local resolve or electoral participation.
Spokesperson Shabbir Mir added that the caretaker team has roughly three months to act, that many new faces are part of the interim setup, and that they are determined to deliver visible improvements for the public before elections. He urged the public to watch outcomes in the coming weeks as proof of the caretaker government’s commitment to clean GB Elections.
