Retired Justice Yar Muhammad Khan named as the caretaker chief minister after the Gilgit-Baltistan government’s five-year term ended at midnight on Tuesday.

According to the official notification, issued under Article 48-A(2) of the Gilgit-Baltistan Order, the Chairman of the GB Council approved the appointment following consultations with the outgoing chief minister and the leader of the opposition.

Justice Yar Mohammad, who hails from District Astore, will lead the interim administration until elections to the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly are held.

The transition follows Monday’s de-notification 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.

Officials said the step formally clears the way for the caretaker setup to manage day-to-day affairs and ensure a smooth electoral process.

The outgoing assembly completed its term at midnight, with its final session held earlier in the day.