Former Prime Minister of Pakistan and President of Pakistan Muslim League (N) Nawaz Sharif on Tuesday said that he has deep affection for Gilgit Baltistan and had always aimed to develop the region, but he was not given the opportunity to fully implement the development work.
Nawaz Sharif Reaffirms Development Vision for Gilgit-Baltistan, Defends Past Projects, Announces New Initiatives
GILGIT, Jun 02 (APP):Former Prime Minister of Pakistan and President of Pakistan Muslim League (N) Nawaz Sharif on Tuesday said that he has deep affection for Gilgit Baltistan and had always aimed to develop the region, but he was not given the opportunity to fully implement the development work.
while addressing a public gathering in Gilgit, he questioned why the road from Thakot to Gilgit-Baltistan was not completed and why the region was historically neglected?
He stated that during his tenure, the Gilgit Skardu Highway project worth Rs 50 billion was initiated, a nationwide motorway network was developed, and efforts were made to end load-shedding across the country.
He also said that the Lowari Tunnel was completed and Rs 100 billion were allocated for the Diamer-Bhasha Dam, which is still incomplete, holding previous governments responsible for delays. He added that hydropower projects were also initiated but could not be fully completed.
He praised the launch of a cardiac hospital in Gilgit and appreciated Maryam Nawaz Sharif for the initiative.
He further said that a motorway from Mansehra to Gilgit will be constructed, and he will discuss the improvement of the Khunjerab Road with the Prime Minister to boost China Pakistan trade.
He announced that interest-free loans will be provided to unemployed youth, while easy housing loans will also be introduced for citizens to build their homes.
He added that laptop schemes for talented and deserving students will be expanded, and a separate university for women in Gilgit-Baltistan is under consideration.
Nawaz Sharif said that the upgradation of the Gilgit Astore road will be reviewed, electric buses will be introduced in Gilgit-Baltistan like the rest of the country, and efforts will be made to provide cancer treatment facilities within the region.
He urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and CM Punjab Maryam Nawaz will visit Gilgit-Baltistan and personally assess public issues.
Concluding his speech, he appealed to the public, saying that June 7 is a test of performance, and they seek votes on the basis of their track record.
