Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has pledged to continue supporting development initiatives in Gilgit-Baltistan after his party’s electoral win.
Addressing a public gathering in Gilgit on Tuesday, Sharif expressed happiness over the large turnout and said he had deep affection for the region. He recalled visiting Gilgit and Skardu multiple times during his tenure as Prime Minister.
Sharif criticized the condition of roads leading to the region, stating that infrastructure in several areas had deteriorated despite earlier development work. He questioned delays in completing major projects such as the Rs50 billion Gilgit-Skardu road project.
He said his administration had expanded motorway networks across the country and worked to address electricity shortages, adding that development in Gilgit-Baltistan would remain a priority regardless of electoral outcomes.
“If we form the government, I will visit Gilgit-Baltistan every two months,” he said. “My focus remains on resolving public issues rather than political criticism.”
Sharif praised initiatives by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, saying solar energy projects had helped reduce the region’s power crisis, and urged further federal attention to Gilgit-Baltistan’s development.
He also plans scholarships, laptops for students, interest-free loans for youth, and expanded employment opportunities. Sharif said he had not come to seek votes but to address the region’s problems.
Upon arrival in Gilgit-Baltistan, Sharif is expected to meet PML-N candidates contesting upcoming polls. He was accompanied by 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, as well as MPA Kazim Ali Pirzada.
Earlier in the day, the Gilgit-Baltistan Election Commission granted Sharif a no-objection certificate, allowing him to visit the region and lead the party’s campaign activities ahead of the elections.