Journalist Shabbir Mir named CM spokesperson in Gilgit-Baltistan

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 15 January 2026 |  JP Staff Report

Senior journalist Shabbir Mir has been appointed spokesperson to the chief minister of Gilgit-Baltistan. He brings over 20 years' experience in national and international media and will handle official communications for the Gilgit-Baltistan government.

Summary

GILGIT — Senior journalist Shabbir Mir has been appointed spokesperson to the chief minister of Gilgit-Baltistan, according to an official notification issued this week.

The appointment places a veteran media professional in a key government communications role at a time when the region faces growing scrutiny over governance, development, and political representation.

Professional background in journalism

Mir brings more than two decades of experience in journalism and is currently serving as bureau chief of Suno News in Gilgit-Baltistan. His reporting career spans both national and international media organizations, including The Express Tribune, The News International, BBC, and the Associated Press, where he covered political, social, and regional affairs.

In addition to his broadcast and print work, Mir is the chief editor of Media Lens, a Gilgit-based digital news platform focused on regional reporting. He is also known within media circles for his role in shaping political and current affairs talk shows in the region.

Role and regional significance

As spokesperson, Mir will be responsible for communicating the chief minister’s policies, positions, and official responses to the public and the media. The role is considered strategically important in Gilgit-Baltistan, where access to accurate information and consistent government messaging has been a recurring concern among journalists and civil society groups.

Observers note that appointing a senior journalist to the position may help strengthen engagement between the government and the press, given Mir’s familiarity with newsroom practices and media ethics.

Reaction from the media community

Media professionals in Gilgit-Baltistan have welcomed the appointment, describing it as a positive development based on Mir’s reporting credentials and understanding of regional dynamics. While such reactions reflect professional opinion rather than official assessments, they underscore expectations that his experience could contribute to clearer and more transparent government communication.

The government has not released additional details regarding the scope of his responsibilities or the duration of the appointment.

KEY POINTS:

• Shabbir Mir appointed spokesperson to the Gilgit-Baltistan chief minister.
• Over 20 years in journalism, bureau chief at Suno News, and chief editor of Media Lens.
• Previously reported for The Express Tribune, The News, BBC, and AP.
• The role aims to improve government communication and engagement with the regional press.