Nawaz Sharif laments State of GB roads, vows to oversee key projects

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Nawaz Sharif has criticised the slow pace of development in Gilgit-Baltistan, saying that projects in the region are often launched but never brought to completion.

Addressing an election rally in Gilgit, Nawaz Sharif said he was saddened by the condition of the area's infrastructure, particularly its roads. Recalling his previous visits to Gilgit and Skardu during his tenure as Prime Minister, he questioned why the region had not witnessed the level of progress he had envisioned.

“The Gilgit I knew is nowhere to be seen today. I wanted the region to achieve significant development, but it is painful to see roads riddled with potholes,” he said.

Nawaz Sharif also questioned why the planned road connecting Mansehra to Gilgit had not been completed, urging authorities to explain the delays. While avoiding direct criticism of political opponents, he said important projects had been neglected for far too long.

He maintained that he seeks votes based on performance rather than criticism of rivals. “It pains me to see that funds were not spent on improving the lives of the people. Where did that money go?” he asked, claiming that major projects including hospitals, hydropower plants and the Nagar development scheme were initiated and completed by the PML-N government.

Highlighting aviation infrastructure, Nawaz Sharif said the Gilgit Airport, completed during his government’s tenure, had not been expanded despite growing demand. He said the airport should be capable of accommodating Boeing aircraft and announced that he would discuss its expansion with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

“At present, only three flights operate here each week. There should be 30. Our government reduced what was once a nine-hour journey to just three hours,” he said.

The former Prime Minister also raised concerns over persistent electricity shortages despite the region’s abundant natural resources. He noted that Gilgit-Baltistan possesses ample water and solar energy potential and should not be facing prolonged power outages during either summer or winter.

“I cannot accept lengthy load-shedding in this region. Whether we receive votes or not, we will continue to raise our voice for the people,” he said, adding that if his party forms the government, he would regularly visit the region to monitor development projects personally.

Nawaz Sharif further stated that a committee had been formed in 2017 to address matters related to the National Finance Commission (NFC), but his government was removed in 2018 before progress could be made.

He accused successive administrations of overlooking the region’s needs and claimed that no other political party had initiated meaningful development projects in Gilgit-Baltistan.

Referring to the Lowari Tunnel, he said the project had remained incomplete for decades before being finalised during the PML-N government at a cost of billions of rupees.

He also outlined a series of welfare and development commitments, including improved healthcare facilities within the region, promotion of tourism to generate employment, housing loans for residents, interest-free loans for young people, scholarships and laptops for talented students, and the establishment of a women’s university.