Nawaz Sharif criticises lack of infrastructure development in Gilgit-Baltistan election rally

Former prime minister and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Mian Nawaz Sharif on Tuesday said that he felt deep grief upon seeing the current state of Gilgit-Baltistan and lack of infrastructure development.

Addressing an election rally of the PML-N in Gilgit-Baltistan, Nawaz questioned the dilapidated condition of Gilgit-Baltistan’s roads and other basic amenities. He also promised the masses that development projects would be completed, whether the PML-N was voted in the election or not.

Ahead of the general elections to be held on June 7 in Gilgit-Baltistan, the election campaigns of political parties are underway with full vigour. Following Bilawal Bhutto, PML-N supremo Mian Nawaz Sharif is also present in Gilgit-Baltistan in this regard.

In his address, Nawaz said that he was speaking to the people of this region after many years. “You might have forgotten me, but I still love Gilgit-Baltistan just the same.” He added that he has a special attachment to the mountains and northern areas, and the people of Gilgit-Baltistan are close to his heart.

Mentioning the poor condition of the roads during his journey from Gilgit airport to the city, Nawaz said he could not describe the situation in words.

He said, “I do not understand how all this was allowed to happen. If the money meant for public development and convenience had been used correctly, the situation of this area would have been different.”

The PML-N supremo said that in the past, the PML-N laid a network of roads across the country; however, he regretted that certain projects could not reach Gilgit-Baltistan.

Without naming any political party, he questioned why the governments that came into power did not give the required attention to the development of this area. He said that instead of criticising opponents, the PML-N asks the public for votes based on its performance.

Nawaz said that during the PML-N’s tenure, work was done on hospitals, powerhouses, and hydropower projects in this area. He added that the highway project started during his tenure should have been extended beyond Gilgit-Baltistan up to Khunjerab. He remarked, “I did no favour, rather all of this was the right of the people of Gilgit-Baltistan.”

He asked if any other party had started any notable development project here. He stated that his government had reduced the travel time between Gilgit and Skardu from nine hours to approximately three hours, which provided significant convenience to the public.

Nawaz assured the people of Gilgit-Baltistan that he would meet Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and recommend measures for the expansion of Gilgit airport and the operation of large commercial aircraft.

During his brief visit to Gilgit-Baltistan, Nawaz will also meet PML-N candidates participating in the elections. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Inter-Provincial Coordination Minister Rana Sanaullah, Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, Senator Pervez Rashid, Senator Anusha Rahman, and other party leaders are also accompanying him on this visit.

It is worth noting that the general elections in Gilgit-Baltistan are being held on June 7, which are being conducted after a delay of about four months due to the severely cold weather.