Nawaz Sharif Promises Development Push For Gilgit-Baltistan Ahead Of June 7 Elections
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif has pledged renewed development efforts for Gilgit-Baltistan, expressing concern over the region’s infrastructure challenges and promising to personally oversee major projects if his party is given the opportunity to serve the people again.
Addressing a public rally in Gilgit ahead of the June 7 Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly elections, Nawaz Sharif said he was disappointed by the current condition of roads and other basic facilities in the region. He questioned why several development projects initiated during previous PML-N governments had not yet been completed despite the passage of time.
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“The projects our government started here should have been completed long ago. Where was the money spent?” Sharif asked while highlighting what he described as unfinished development work in the region.
The former prime minister specifically referred to the extension of the Karakoram Highway from Gilgit to Khunjerab, a project initiated during his tenure. He said the project should have been completed by now and stressed that the people of Gilgit-Baltistan deserve modern infrastructure and improved connectivity regardless of political affiliations.
“Whether you vote for my party or not, we cannot deprive you of these facilities,” he told supporters.
Nawaz Sharif assured residents that he would remain actively involved in monitoring development activities in the region. He said he plans to visit Gilgit-Baltistan every two to three months to review progress on ongoing projects and ensure commitments are fulfilled.
He also announced plans to request Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to support the upgradation of Gilgit Airport so that it can accommodate large Boeing aircraft. According to Sharif, improving air connectivity would help boost tourism, trade and economic activity in the mountainous region.
During his address, the PML-N leader highlighted several projects launched during previous PML-N governments, including road infrastructure, hospitals and hydropower schemes. He said these initiatives played a major role in improving living standards and connectivity across Gilgit-Baltistan.
Sharif pointed to the reduction in travel time between Gilgit and Skardu as one of the major achievements of his party’s development agenda. According to him, the journey, which previously took around nine hours, can now be completed in approximately three hours due to improvements in road infrastructure.
Reflecting on his longstanding association with the region, Nawaz Sharif said his affection for the people of Gilgit-Baltistan remained unchanged despite the passage of time.
“Perhaps some of you have forgotten me, but my love for Gilgit-Baltistan remains the same,” he remarked.
The former prime minister also claimed that no other political party had undertaken development projects on the scale carried out during PML-N governments and urged voters to support candidates committed to continuing progress and infrastructure development.
Earlier in the day, Nawaz Sharif arrived in Gilgit, where he was welcomed by senior party leaders including Federal Minister Amir Muqam, former Gilgit-Baltistan chief minister Hafiz Hafeez-ur-Rehman, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Rana Sanaullah, Senator Pervaiz Rasheed, Punjab Information Minister Maryam Aurangzeb, Senator Anusha Rahman and Kazim Pirzada.
The visit comes as political parties intensify campaigning ahead of the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly elections. Polling for 24 seats in the regional assembly is scheduled to take place on June 7, with major parties seeking public support through promises of development, improved governance and economic progress.
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