Ex-PM Nawaz Sharif criticises development delays in Gilgit-Baltistan

GILGIT:  Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo and former prime minister  Nawaz Sharif has criticised the pace of development in Gilgit-Baltistan, saying many projects remain incomplete and road conditions in the region are a source of concern.

Addressing an election rally in Gilgit, he said he had visited Skardu and Gilgit several times during his tenure as prime minister and expressed disappointment over the current state of infrastructure.

“The roads are in poor condition, full of potholes. I feel pain seeing this,” he said, questioning why key projects such as the Mansehra-Gilgit road had not been completed.

Nawaz Sharif said he did not want to criticise any political party but questioned why development initiatives were neglected despite repeated announcements. He added that his party has always sought votes based on performance rather than criticism of opponents.

He claimed that hospitals, hydroelectric projects, and the Nagar development project were initiated by his government, and asked which other party had delivered similar work in the region.

The PML-N leader also pointed to the limited flight operations at Gilgit Airport, saying it should be expanded and could handle significantly more traffic than the current three weekly flights.

He said future plans include expanding healthcare facilities so residents do not need to travel to Islamabad for treatment, improving tourism for job creation, and providing interest-free loans, scholarships, laptops, and a women’s university for local students.

Nawaz Sharif also referred to the Diamer-Bhasha Dam project, saying land acquisition funds were allocated during his tenure but the project remains incomplete, adding that timely completion would have benefited both Gilgit-Baltistan and the wider country.