GILGIT: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Nawaz Sharif expressed disappointment over the deteriorating infrastructure in Gilgit-Baltistan during a public rally on Tuesday. He vowed to restart development projects from the ground up if his party regained power.
Speaking to the crowd, Sharif noted that this was his first visit to the region since 2016. While he appreciated the warm reception, he lamented the worsening condition of roads, emphasizing that the people of Gilgit-Baltistan hold a special place in his heart. He recalled prioritizing the region’s development during his tenure as prime minister.
Sharif highlighted several major initiatives launched under his government, including the Gilgit-Skardu highway, which involved an investment of approximately Rs50 billion. He questioned the delays in completing various projects, such as hydropower plants and hospitals, criticizing the tendency to start schemes without following through to completion.
He stressed that his party’s appeal was based on performance rather than attacking political rivals. Sharif also reminded the audience of his role in developing the country’s motorway network and completing the Lowari Tunnel. He pledged to visit Gilgit-Baltistan regularly and personally oversee development efforts if PML-N returned to power.
In a significant development, Sharif reflected on his political struggles, mentioning his multiple exiles and imprisonments. He urged the public not to place blame solely on him, suggesting that collective responsibility existed for allowing his removal from office.
Since his return to Pakistan in October 2023 after four years in self-imposed exile, Sharif has largely stayed away from active politics, focusing instead on party organization. He did not participate in the 2024 general election campaign, which was led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who maintained stronger ties with the establishment and a clearer legal position.
However, ahead of the Gilgit-Baltistan elections, Nawaz Sharif is expected to engage more actively in campaign events, including rallies and public meetings. This has sparked discussions about whether he is resuming a full electoral role or continuing in a limited advisory capacity.
