Gilgit (Web Desk): Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Nawaz Sharif on Tuesday said he intends to prioritize major development work in Gilgit-Baltistan, particularly in the areas of infrastructure, aviation, and energy, and vowed to raise the region’s long-standing issues directly with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to secure federal action.
Speaking at a public gathering during his one-day visit to Gilgit-Baltistan, the former prime minister expressed concern over the deteriorating condition of roads, saying the state of the infrastructure left him deeply saddened.
He pledged to push for improved road connectivity, expansion of Gilgit Airport, and immediate steps to address the persistent electricity shortfall in the region.
Nawaz Sharif remarked that during his visit he repeatedly observed the poor condition of roads, filled with potholes and neglect.
He recalled that earlier road projects were launched with enthusiasm, including the construction of the Mansehra-Thakot section, which he said was completed during his tenure, but questioned why the same network was not extended further towards Gilgit and Chilas.
Although he stated that he did not wish to target any political party or government, he said he could not help but ask why Gilgit-Baltistan had been left behind despite multiple opportunities for development.
The PML-N president added that the current state of the region caused him distress and raised questions about priorities in past development planning.
He further pointed out that the road had eventually been extended to Skardu at a cost of approximately Rs50 billion, stressing that such projects were not political favors but the rightful entitlement of the people.
He also claimed that several key projects, including hospitals, hydropower stations, power plants, and the Jaglot-Skardu road, were initiated and completed under his party’s leadership, and challenged others to identify similar contributions in the region.
The PML-N leader also referred to the Islamabad–Mansehra four-lane highway, saying it should have been extended all the way to Gilgit-Baltistan.
He expressed regret that Gilgit Airport remains in the same condition as it was during his tenure, without expansion or modernization. According to him, the airport should have been upgraded to accommodate jet aircraft, similar to Skardu Airport, and its current state was a source of disappointment for him.
He also questioned the limited number of flights operating in the region, saying there should be far more frequent air services.
He noted that travel time between Gilgit and Skardu had been reduced from nine hours to three during his government, calling it a meaningful improvement for local residents.
Turning to the issue of electricity, Nawaz Sharif highlighted the chronic power shortages despite the region’s vast water resources.
While appreciating Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for allocating 100 megawatts of solar energy, he said the ongoing load-shedding—ranging from 20 to 22 hours in winter and 10 to 12 hours in summer—was unacceptable and needed urgent correction.
He also referred to the Lowari Tunnel in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, stating that although it remained incomplete for decades, it was finalized during his government. He contrasted this with what he described as unfinished development efforts in Gilgit-Baltistan, particularly in the power sector.
Nawaz Sharif assured the audience that he would meet the prime minister upon returning and strongly recommend expansion of the airport and improvements in the energy system.
He added that while results could not be guaranteed, his government would continue to push for solutions.
He further pledged regular visits to Gilgit-Baltistan to monitor progress on development projects.
His visit took place amid campaigning for the upcoming June 7 elections. Upon arrival, he was received by senior party leaders and federal ministers. A number of key political figures accompanied him during the visit, as he met party leaders and election candidates.
The Election Commission of Gilgit-Baltistan had earlier granted a No Objection Certificate allowing him to visit and participate in election-related activities, subject to compliance with electoral laws and the official Code of Conduct.
The notification also warned that any violation of rules could lead to legal action.
Meanwhile, the political environment in the region has become increasingly charged as election campaigning intensifies, with opposition parties raising concerns over alleged restrictions, adding further tension ahead of the polls.