Lead

Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif arrived in Gilgit-Baltistan on Tuesday for a brief one-day visit to meet party ticket holders ahead of the region's general elections scheduled for June 7. The visit, confirmed by state-run PTV, marks a rare public appearance for the PML-N president, who has been largely inactive in politics since the February 2024 general elections.

Accompanied by several senior ministers and party members—including Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Inter-Provincial Coordination Minister Rana Sanaullah, and Punjab Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb—Nawaz was welcomed upon arrival by Minister for Kashmir Affairs and GB Amir Muqam, his son-in-law retired Captain Mohammad Safdar, and former GB chief minister Hafiz Hafeezur Rehman.

Coverage Comparison

Reporting across multiple Dawn articles consistently highlighted Nawaz's visit as part of PML-N's election preparations. One piece focused on the itinerary and accompanying officials, while another emphasized Nawaz's public address in Gilgit, where he expressed disappointment over the region's infrastructure. A third article incorporated the opposition PTI's allegations of pre-poll rigging, providing a contrasting perspective ahead of the elections.

Key Claims

  • Nawaz Sharif visited Gilgit-Baltistan on Tuesday for a one-day trip, as reported by all sources.
  • General elections in Gilgit-Baltistan are scheduled for June 7, after a four-month delay attributed to harsh winter weather, according to Dawn.
  • During his public address, Nawaz lamented the lack of development in the region, recalling the poor condition of roads and questioning why past infrastructure projects were not extended to Gilgit. This account, carried by Dawn, quotes him saying: "When I saw the condition of the roads after exiting the airport, I cannot even describe it. It hurt me immensely."
  • Senior PML-N leader Khawaja Saad Rafique, addressing a gathering in Skardu, called for a "comprehensive plan" to address Gilgit-Baltistan's constitutional status, asking: "Till how long will the issue remain undecided?" This was reported by Dawn.
  • The PML-N has vowed to focus on development in Gilgit-Baltistan if elected, as stated by Nawaz in April and reiterated during the visit.
  • PTI alleged "systematic pre-poll rigging and state-backed repression" ahead of the elections, claiming that the government and state institutions are being used to influence the electoral process. This allegation, reported by Dawn, has not been independently verified.

Perspectives

PML-N's Perspective

Nawaz Sharif's visit underscores PML-N's commitment to Gilgit-Baltistan, with a focus on development and addressing the region's constitutional status. His public remarks sought to connect with voters emotionally, referencing his past contributions and affection for the region.

PTI's Allegations

PTI contends that the electoral process is being manipulated through pre-poll rigging and repression, citing incidents such as a notice issued to the mother of former chief minister Khalid Khurshid. These claims, not yet independently verified, reflect the opposition's concerns about the fairness of the upcoming polls.

Observers' Context

Nawaz's rare public appearance indicates a strategic move by PML-N to energize its base in Gilgit-Baltistan, a region often overshadowed in national politics. The delay in elections due to weather and the unresolved constitutional status of GB remain significant issues in the campaign.