Islamabad: Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif asserts that the Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) has an unparalleled record of development and public service in the region of Gilgit-Baltistan. He made these remarks during a meeting of the PML-N Parliamentary Board for Gilgit-Baltistan, which was attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar.
According to Radio Pakistan, Nawaz Sharif, who also serves as the President of the PML-N, expressed satisfaction with the presence of the party's entire leadership, considering it a testament to their unity and commitment to the region. He emphasized that PML-N understands the needs of Gilgit-Baltistan better than any other party, citing major infrastructure projects completed during his tenure.
Referring to a significant road project valued at over sixty billion rupees, Nawaz Sharif noted its impact in drastically reducing travel time from twenty-four hours to nearly ten hours, thereby transforming connectivity and benefiting local communities. He expressed confidence that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif shares a similar vision for the development of Gilgit-Baltistan and will continue to expand ongoing initiatives. However, he urged local leadership to be proactive, stressing the importance of generating resources and effectively utilizing budgets for public welfare, rather than relying solely on federal funding.
Highlighting the tourism potential of areas like Skardu and Hunza, Nawaz Sharif stated that visitors from across the globe are eager to explore Gilgit-Baltistan. He urged local authorities to actively contribute to promoting and developing this sector. Reaffirming his strong attachment to Gilgit-Baltistan, he pledged continued support for its progress and prosperity.
Nawaz Sharif reiterated that the PML-N has always prioritized practical performance over political rhetoric. He stated that the party's contributions to development, governance, and national defense are widely recognized, adding that Pakistan's international standing is improving under the current leadership. He also appreciated the contributions of Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir in elevating Pakistan's stature at the diplomatic level.