Nawaz Sharif laments lack of development in GB ahead of June 7 elections
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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