'Only Nawaz Sharif can make G-B a province', Maryam hits out at PM Imran

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Vice President Maryam Nawaz has kicked off her election campaign in Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) amid mass defection in the party’s regional chapter which has weakened it.

After reaching Skardu on a week-long visit on Thursday, Maryam briefly addressed party workers while inaugurating the PML-N office in the area.

"You will not vote for those who change their loyalties, promise me. They're backstabbers," she said while referring to the disgruntled party workers who have joined other political parties.

"I have heard that out of our 16 candidates, eight or nine have changed their loyalties. Remember this when you go out to vote that those who cannot endure pressure, will never stand for the public's rights," she added.

Over a dozen political and religious parties – including the country's three major parties Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), PML-N and PPP – are contesting the polls scheduled to be held on November 15.

Later, addressing a gathering in Ganche district of the region, Maryam claimed that her father Nawaz Sharif had worked for three years to make G-B a province while he was a prime minister of the country from 2013 to 2017.

“A juggler whose own government’s legs are trembling came here a few days before the election and made false promises to the people of Gilgit-Baltistan,” Maryam said while hinting to the recent visit of Prime Minister Imran Khan to G-B during which he pledged to grant full provincial status to the mountainous region.

She said that people of G-B are aware of the fact that ousted PM Nawaz had made a lot of contributions for the region. “...Nawaz Sharif had worked for three years to make G-B a province and the world will witness that Nawaz Sharif will make the G-B a province,” she asserted that Premier Imran would not fulfil his promise of elevating the status of the region.

Maryam also thanked senior PML-N leaders including Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Pervez Rasheed, and former G-B chief minister Hafiz Hafeezur Rehman for supporting party supremo Nawaz through thick and thin.

Calling the premier ‘selected’, Maryam took an aim at PM Imran, saying: “You may be a fake prime minister but you are still a premier. You don't realise how people are struggling due to inflation"

She blamed the PTI-led government for all-time high inflation in the country particularly hike in the prices of sugar and wheat.

Maryam while recalling PM Imran’s promise of providing 10 million jobs said: "Has any youth in Skardu given employment? Did he [PM Imran] fulfil his promises…”

The PML-N leader urged the people to send the “liar premier” and his government packing. "He is about to go. The last push will be given by the people of G-B."