GILGIT – Former prime minister and PML-N President Nawaz Sharif on Tuesday expressed concern over what he described as slow development and poor infrastructure in Gilgit-Baltistan during a brief visit ahead of the general elections scheduled for June 7.
The elections in Gilgit-Baltistan were postponed for four months due to severe winter conditions.
Addressing a public gathering in Gilgit, Nawaz Sharif said it had been a long time since he last interacted with the people of the region, joking that they may have “forgotten him” before receiving enthusiastic slogans in his support.
He said he held a deep affection for the mountainous region, adding that his connection with Gilgit-Baltistan was emotional and longstanding.
Recalling his visit from the airport, he expressed disappointment over the condition of roads, saying the state of infrastructure had deeply affected him and raised questions about the region’s development trajectory.
Nawaz Sharif said it pained him that resources meant for public welfare, in his view, had not been utilized effectively. He also pointed to the presence of potholes and incomplete development projects, claiming that earlier road initiatives launched during the PML-N tenure were not fully extended as planned.
He stated that while he did not wish to criticise any political party, he felt compelled to question why successive governments had not given due attention to the region despite having the opportunity to serve.
The PML-N leader said his party’s approach to politics was based on development work rather than criticism of rivals. He added that infrastructure projects initiated during his tenure were intended to extend further into Gilgit-Baltistan.
He highlighted earlier development work including road networks, hospitals, and hydropower projects, stating that such initiatives were meant to benefit the local population directly.
Referring to transportation infrastructure, Nawaz Sharif said the Gilgit airport had remained unchanged since his earlier tenure and had not been expanded to accommodate increased air traffic. He announced that he would discuss the matter with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to explore plans for upgrading the facility.
He also noted that travel time between Gilgit and Skardu had been reduced significantly due to road improvements, claiming the journey had been shortened from nine hours to three hours.
Criticising the pace of development work, he said several projects in the region were launched but not completed. He also stressed the region’s potential for hydropower and solar energy generation.
Nawaz Sharif said prolonged power outages remained a major issue, alleging that residents faced long hours of load-shedding in both winter and summer seasons. He termed the situation unacceptable and pledged to raise the matter with the federal government.
He further stated that development commitments would be pursued regardless of electoral outcomes, adding that public welfare in Gilgit-Baltistan should not be compromised.
Referring to Gilgit-Baltistan’s importance in regional connectivity, he described it as a key part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and called for further development, including electric transport systems, improved healthcare facilities, and expanded cancer treatment services.
He also pledged to expand the existing cancer hospital in the region and proposed initiatives such as housing schemes and interest-free loans for young entrepreneurs. Additionally, he suggested the establishment of a women’s university in Gilgit-Baltistan if his party formed the government.
Calling the upcoming election a “test” for voters, he urged people to carefully consider their choices ahead of polling day.
During the visit, Nawaz Sharif also held meetings with party candidates contesting the elections.
He was accompanied by senior PML-N leaders including Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Inter-Provincial Coordination Minister Rana Sanaullah, Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, Senators Pervaiz Rasheed and Anusha Rahman, and MPA Kazim Ali Pirzada.
Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Amir Muqam, Nawaz Sharif’s son-in-law retired Captain Muhammad Safdar, and former Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Hafiz Hafeezur Rehman also welcomed the PML-N leader upon his arrival.
