GILGIT — Former prime minister and PML-N President Nawaz Sharif arrived in Gilgit on Tuesday to lead his party’s political campaign just days before the region’s general elections scheduled for June 7. Addressing a large public gathering, Sharif expressed deep disappointment over the current state of infrastructure and basic services in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), claiming the area has been ignored by recent governments.
Key Highlights
- Nawaz Sharif visited Gilgit to campaign for the upcoming June 7 general elections.
- The former premier criticized the poor condition of roads and the lack of airport expansion in the region.
- Sharif pledged to address the region’s severe electricity load-shedding, which can reach 20 hours in winter.
- The PML-N president promised a new women’s university and interest-free business loans if his party wins.
- He vowed to work with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to upgrade the Gilgit airport for commercial jets.
پاکستان مسلم لیگ (ن) کے صدر محمد نواز شریف ایک روزہ دورے پر گلگت بلتستان پہنچ گئے
وفاقی وزرا خواجہ محمد آصف، احسن اقبال، رانا ثناء اللہ، سینیٹر پرویز رشید، پنجاب کی سینیئر صوبائی وزیر مریم اورنگزیب، سینیٹر انوشہ رحمن، کاظم پیرزادہ بھی نواز شریف کے ہمراہ ہیں
گلگت پہنچنے پر وفاقی… pic.twitter.com/wG19HMFJKw— PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) June 2, 2026
During his address, Nawaz Sharif described his sadness at seeing the condition of the roads after leaving the airport, questioning why development funds were not spent on the people of GB. He noted that projects his previous government started, such as the road to Skardu which cost Rs50 billion, had significantly reduced travel times but complained that other vital projects remained unfinished. Sharif specifically pointed out that the Gilgit airport has not been expanded since his last tenure, limiting air traffic to the major tourist destination.
The PML-N chief also highlighted the region’s energy crisis, calling the 12 to 20 hours of daily load-shedding “unacceptable”. He promised to consult with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to provide immediate relief and explore the region’s high potential for solar and hydel power generation.
Looking toward the future of the region as a “center” for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Sharif outlined several ambitious goals for a potential PML-N government:
Expanding the existing cancer hospital and building a new women’s university.
Launching interest-free loan programs for youth businesses and housing loan schemes for residents.
Introducing electric buses and upgrading the Gilgit airport to handle large commercial jets.
Sharif was accompanied by a senior delegation, including Defense Minister Khawaja Asif and Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal. The visit follows a four-month delay in the polls due to harsh winter weather, and Sharif concluded by urging the public to vote for development on Sunday.
