Former prime minister and Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) President Nawaz Sharif said the current situation in Gilgit-Baltistan saddens him, saying that he remains committed to the region’s development regardless of election outcomes.
Addressing a public gathering in Gilgit-Baltistan ahead of elections, Nawaz Sharif said he seeks votes based on his performance rather than criticism of political opponents.
He recalled his long association with the region, saying the people of Gilgit-Baltistan hold a special place in his heart and noting that he visited Skardu several times during his tenure as prime minister. He pledged to visit the region regularly if his party returns to power.
Nawaz Sharif said he had envisioned progress and employment opportunities for the people of Gilgit-Baltistan. He questioned why major infrastructure projects, including the road from Mansehra to Thakot, were not extended further to Gilgit and Khunjerab as originally planned.
The PML-N president said that several projects completed during his government, including hospitals, power generation facilities, hydel power projects, the Naltar development scheme, and the four-lane highway connecting Islamabad and Mansehra. He added these initiatives reflected his party’s commitment to the region.
Nawaz Sharif said he would continue working for Gilgit-Baltistan whether or not they voted for his party. He also announced plans to ask Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to expand the region’s airport to accommodate jet aircraft and increase flight operations, with a target of at least 30 flights per week.
Ahead of the elections, the Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan imposed an immediate ban on all government recruitments.
An official circular issued by the Services, General Administration, and Cabinet Department, the government enforced a complete ban on all types of recruitment in government departments under Section 320, Clause 2 of the Election Act 2017.
The move was taken to ensure transparency in the electoral process during the upcoming general elections. According to the circular, the ban applies to all stages of recruitment, including the advertisement of new vacancies, written examinations, and interviews. It will remain in effect until the formation of the newly elected government. The circular further states that strict action will be taken under relevant laws against anyone found violating these instructions.
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