Nawaz Sharif, President of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), pledged to accelerate infrastructure and economic growth in Gilgit-Baltistan on Tuesday [1].
The announcement comes as the region prepares for the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly elections scheduled for June 7, 2026 [2]. With the vote days away, the PML-N is attempting to secure public support by contrasting its development record against the perceived neglect of the region.
Speaking in Gilgit, Sharif questioned the current lack of development in the area [3]. He said that the region deserves greater attention after years of neglect [4]. Despite this critique of the general state of the region, Sharif highlighted the specific contributions of his party, saying, "PML-N has an unmatched record of development in Gilgit-Baltistan" [5].
Sharif focused his campaign rhetoric on performance rather than political attacks. "Our party seeks public support based on its performance rather than criticism of political opponents," Sharif said [6]. He said that the party's strategy involves leveraging past successes to justify future investments in the mountainous territory.
The PML-N leader vowed that his party would prioritize the region's needs if they secure a victory in the upcoming polls. "If elected, we will focus on development in Gilgit-Baltistan," Sharif said [7].
The push for infrastructure is intended to address long-standing challenges in the region, including limited connectivity, and economic stagnation. By promising new projects, the PML-N aims to counter the narratives of political rivals and mobilize voters who feel marginalized by the central government's historical approach to the territory [3, 4].
“PML-N has an unmatched record of development in Gilgit-Baltistan.”
This campaign push reflects a strategic effort by the PML-N to frame the June 7 elections as a choice between continued neglect and a proven track record of infrastructure delivery. By focusing on tangible development projects, Sharif is attempting to neutralize political opposition and appeal to a voter base in Gilgit-Baltistan that is increasingly sensitive to the region's economic integration with the rest of Pakistan.
