HUNZA: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) senior leader Khurram Dastgir indirectly criticized the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) during a workers’ convention in Hunza, urging voters to decide what kind of future they want for the region over the next five years.

Addressing party workers and supporters, Dastgir posed a pointed question to the audience: “Do you want Hunza to become like Karachi or like Lahore in the next five years?” Although he did not mention the PPP by name, his remarks were widely interpreted as a criticism of the party, which has governed Sindh, including Karachi, for many years.

Development as the central election issue

Khurram Dastgir emphasized that infrastructure development should remain a key factor in voters’ decisions. He argued that those who had previously delivered major road networks and development projects were best positioned to continue the process in the future.

According to Dastgir, Pakistan’s motorways, highways, and other major infrastructure projects stand as evidence of PML-N’s development-oriented policies. He claimed that the party has a proven record of delivering large-scale projects and improving connectivity across the country.

“We will build the roads because we are the ones who have already laid down a network of highways in the past,” he said while addressing the gathering.

Reference to national projects

The PML-N leader further stated that many development projects stretching from Gilgit-Baltistan to Balochistan bear the imprint of his party’s leadership and vision. He argued that PML-N governments have historically prioritized infrastructure development, economic growth, and public welfare initiatives.

His comments appeared aimed at reinforcing the party’s image as a force for modernization and economic progress, particularly in regions where development remains a major electoral concern.

PML-N’s campaign in Gilgit-Baltistan

The remarks come as political parties intensify campaigning efforts ahead of elections in Gilgit-Baltistan. The mountainous region has become an important political battleground, with major national parties competing for support by highlighting their respective achievements and development agendas.

Political observers note that infrastructure, tourism, employment opportunities, and regional connectivity are among the key issues influencing voters in the area.

Abid Sher Ali backs Nawaz Sharif’s leadership

Speaking at the same event, PML-N leader Abid Sher Ali also addressed party supporters and stressed the importance of strong leadership for the development of Gilgit-Baltistan.

He argued that former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s vision and policies had previously contributed to economic growth and infrastructure expansion across Pakistan. According to him, voters should support leaders who can guarantee prosperity, development, and better opportunities for future generations.

“For the development of Gilgit-Baltistan, you need Nawaz Sharif,” Abid Sher Ali said. He urged the public to elect leaders who are committed to improving living standards and advancing the region’s progress.

Political significance

The statements by PML-N leaders reflect the party’s strategy of focusing on development and governance as central themes in its campaign. By comparing cities with different administrative and developmental records, the party appears to be encouraging voters to evaluate political performance through visible public projects and infrastructure improvements.

At the same time, rival parties are presenting their own achievements and visions for the future of Gilgit-Baltistan, making development one of the most contested issues in the political landscape.

Conclusion

Khurram Dastgir’s remarks in Hunza underscore the growing competition among political parties ahead of elections in Gilgit-Baltistan. By framing the choice as one between different models of development, PML-N leaders are attempting to position their party as the preferred option for economic progress and infrastructure growth. The final decision, however, will rest with the voters, who will determine the region’s political direction and development priorities in the years ahead.