Nawaz Sharif Vows Development Focus for Gilgit-Baltistan Ahead of Elections

As the Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) Assembly elections draw near, PML-N President Nawaz Sharif has articulated a clear vision for the region's future, centered on accelerated development. Addressing the party's parliamentary board, Sharif emphasized that a PML-N government would prioritize infrastructure and economic growth, drawing parallels with past successes and the ongoing initiatives under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.

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You should copy it, and all these things should be launched in GB as well.

Sharif recalled significant infrastructure investments, such as road projects valued between $60-$65 billion that drastically reduced travel times, and the construction of a tunnel in Chitral. He urged the party's candidates to emulate the dedication shown by the current leadership, stressing that their election would be a mandate for service, not for personal gain. This focus on tangible progress and public welfare is a cornerstone of the PML-N's political narrative, aiming to connect with the aspirations of the people of GB.

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When your candidates are elected, God-willing, they must have this in mind that they have been elected for service, not for fun.

Furthermore, Sharif lauded the current government's performance, specifically commending Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's leadership, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar's diplomatic efforts, and the role of Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir. He described their contributions as "historic," indicating a broader strategy of national development and international engagement. The call for GB to generate its own funds through tourism, rather than solely relying on federal support, also signals a push for regional self-sufficiency and economic empowerment.

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GB is as dear to me as the rest of Pakistan is, and as Azad Kashmir, Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan and KP are.

From Pakistan's perspective, particularly for a party like PML-N that has historically championed large-scale development projects, the emphasis on GB is strategic. The region's immense tourism potential, coupled with the need for improved connectivity, presents a compelling case for investment. Sharif's message resonates with a desire to see Pakistan, including its northern territories, flourish through robust infrastructure and economic policies. The commitment to resolving local issues through direct engagement, even involving top leadership, aims to build trust and demonstrate the party's dedication to the region's progress, contrasting with what might be perceived as more distant or less invested approaches from other political entities.

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These are historic roles.