Former Prime Minister and President of the Pakistan مسلم League-Nawaz (PML-N), Nawaz Sharif, has said that the international respect and value of Pakistan’s “green passport” is being restored due to the combined leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the support of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, and the “historic role” played by Field Marshal Asim Munir.

He expressed these views while chairing a high-level meeting of the Gilgit-Baltistan Parliamentary Board, which was also attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Ishaq Dar. The meeting focused on political strategy, development progress, and governance matters related to the region.

Addressing the participants, Nawaz Sharif stated that no political party understands Gilgit-Baltistan better than the PML-N. He highlighted that the party has a strong record of public service in the علاقے, pointing to major development projects initiated during its tenure. He specifically mentioned a road project worth over Rs60 billion, which has significantly reduced travel distances and improved connectivity in the mountainous region.

He emphasized that such development initiatives are the rightful entitlement of the people and should continue without interruption. According to him, the PML-N has consistently played a proactive role across all sectors and at every level of governance.

Nawaz Sharif further noted that significant development work is currently underway in both the federal government and Punjab province. He urged other provinces to follow this example and focus on delivering tangible benefits to the public.

Turning his criticism toward Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, he questioned the performance of the party that has been in power there for the past 15 years. He asked whether the people of the province are experiencing any real relief, particularly in essential services like healthcare. He claimed that residents of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are still deprived of adequate health facilities, raising concerns about governance and public welfare in the province.

On the diplomatic front, Nawaz Sharif asserted that Pakistan’s global standing has improved in recent times. He drew a comparison with the period following the 1998 nuclear tests, stating that the country is once again gaining respect internationally. He credited this shift to the current leadership’s efforts in diplomacy and governance.

According to him, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s leadership, supported by Ishaq Dar’s economic and diplomatic role, along with what he described as Field Marshal Asim Munir’s significant contributions, has helped enhance Pakistan’s image abroad. He reiterated that these efforts are collectively restoring the dignity of the Pakistani passport.

He concluded by saying that Pakistan is moving in a positive direction and that the country’s reputation is improving due to coordinated efforts at multiple levels of leadership. He added that such progress is beneficial for the nation and reflects positively on its institutions and governance.