Nawaz Sharif vows to restart development work in G-B from scratch

GILGIT: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif on Tuesday criticised the state of infrastructure in Gilgit-Baltistan, saying he was “disappointed” by the condition of roads in the region, and pledged renewed development efforts if his party returned to power. Addressing a public rally in Gilgit, Sharif said he had returned to the region after several years and expressed satisfaction at the public reception, but added that the condition of roads had deteriorated. “The people of Gilgit-Baltistan are very close to my heart,” he said, adding that he had always prioritised the region in development planning during his tenure as prime minister. Sharif said major road projects, including the Gilgit-Skardu highway, had been launched at a cost of around Rs50 billion, and questioned delays in completion of several development schemes, including hydropower projects. “Projects are started here but never completed,” he said, adding that hospitals, hydropower plants and other infrastructure initiatives were launched during his government. He said he had never sought votes by criticising opponents, and that his party sought support on the basis of performance. Sharif also said he had overseen development of a network of motorways across the country and the completion of the Lowari Tunnel, adding that he would visit Gilgit-Baltistan frequently if his party returned to power and personally monitor development projects. The rally marked Sharif’s first visit to Gilgit-Baltistan since 2016. Nawaz said he had been sent into exile multiple times and imprisoned, questioning the circumstances that led to his removal from power. He said he should not be blamed alone, adding: “Do not hold grievances against me; you are also responsible for allowing someone like me to be sent into exile.” He said he was forced to leave the country and was also jailed on multiple occasions. Since returning to Pakistan in October 2023 after four years in self-exile, Nawaz Sharif has largely remained out of active politics, focusing mainly on internal party and organisational matters. He stayed away from the 2024 general election campaign, a move widely seen as linked to his legal challenges and disqualification concerns. During that period, the PML-N’s campaign was largely led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who emerged as the party’s main public face due to stronger establishment ties and a clearer legal standing. Ahead of the Gilgit-Baltistan polls, however, Sharif is expected to take part in campaign activities, including rallies and public engagements, prompting renewed debate over whether he is re-entering electoral politics or retaining a limited advisory role. Elections for the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly are scheduled for June 7. Leaders of major political parties, including Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar, are currently in the region, seeking public support for their respective candidates. The post Nawaz Sharif vows to restart development work in G-B from scratch appeared first on HUM News English.