GILGIT: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Nawaz Sharif said on Tuesday that he seeks public support based on performance rather than criticism of political opponents, as he addressed a large public gathering in Gilgit-Baltistan.
Sharif said he felt “deep happiness” in speaking directly to the people of Gilgit-Baltistan after a long gap. He described his visit as a moment to reconnect with the region and revive long-standing ties with its residents.
He greeted residents of Skardu, Shigar and Ghanche, saying many may have thought he had been absent for years. He said he was in the region to refresh old memories and reaffirm his commitment.
The PML-N leader expressed concern over the condition of roads during his journey from the airport to the rally venue. He said the infrastructure appeared neglected and required urgent improvement.
Sharif said his previous governments had initiated development work in the region, including roads and other projects, but progress had not continued at the desired pace.
He stressed that he did not want to criticise any government or political party, but questioned why Gilgit-Baltistan had not received sustained attention in development planning.
He said development projects were not favors to the public but their fundamental right.
Sharif highlighted past progress on hospitals, power projects, hydropower schemes and the Diamer-Bhasha Dam. He said his government had taken practical steps on these initiatives.
He urged citizens to point out if any other government had launched major projects in the region.
He said Gilgit-Baltistan’s airport required urgent expansion and modernisation, including increased flight operations. He added that he would raise the issue with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Sharif said he would propose regular visits by senior leadership to the region to assess development needs directly. He also said he intended to visit Gilgit-Baltistan every two to three months if given the opportunity to monitor ongoing projects.
On energy issues, he said the region had vast hydropower and solar potential. He referred to a proposed 100-megawatt project for Shigar and said long hours of load-shedding in extreme weather were unacceptable.
He said residents should not be deprived of basic electricity services.
Sharif said he would recommend housing and employment initiatives, including easy housing loans and youth business financing schemes.
He said healthcare infrastructure needed urgent upgrades, including advanced cardiac and cancer treatment facilities within the region to reduce patient travel to major cities.
He also called for improved roads and connectivity, including a modern motorway link from Mansehra to Gilgit-Baltistan, to better integrate the region into the national economy.
Sharif said the Karakoram Highway should be further upgraded up to Khunjerab to strengthen trade and tourism links with China, adding that Gilgit-Baltistan could benefit significantly from growing cross-border economic activity.
He said the region’s financial and constitutional issues were serious and recalled that a special committee had been formed in 2017 under Sartaj Aziz to address them. He said the process remained incomplete after the 2018 change of government.
Concluding his speech, Sharif said he would continue to push for development, regardless of electoral outcomes, and promised to keep working for the welfare and prosperity of Gilgit-Baltistan.
