Saad Rafique vows to secure Gilgit-Baltistan's 'constitutional rights', NFC share

Says region needs long-term national consensus on political, economic future, proposes 'Charter of Gilgit-Baltistan'

Senior Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Khawaja Saad Rafique on Friday pledged to fight for Gilgit-Baltistan's "constitutional rights" and vowed to secure the region a fair share under the National Finance Commission (NFC), saying residents should no longer have to seek funds from the federal government.

Addressing an election rally in Skardu, Rafique said, "Support us and, God willing, we will fight for your constitutional status. We will also ensure your fair share in the NFC so that you do not have to ask for funds; resources will come to this region automatically."

He said Gilgit-Baltistan needed a long-term national consensus on its political and economic future, proposing what he termed a "Charter of Gilgit-Baltistan". Explaining the proposal, Rafique said it would involve "an agreement among all political parties of Pakistan, along with state institutions, on how resources will be spent on Gilgit-Baltistan over the next 20 years."

The charter, he said, should address "how constitutional rights will be granted, how quickly they will be granted, and how empowered the local government will become", while also laying out plans to promote "tourism, industry and employment" across the region.

Seeking support for his party, Rafique said, "If you vote for the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, then the federal government and a PML-N government in Gilgit-Baltistan will together transform this region."

Describing G-B as strategically important but neglected, he said, "Despite becoming part of Pakistan, Gilgit-Baltistan unfortunately remains among the country's underdeveloped regions."

Rafique stressed that development should not depend on population size, adding that whether a population is small or large, everyone has "an equal right to development, to live, and to move forward".

He also outlined proposals aimed at boosting local industry, saying processing plants for "apricots, mulberries, almonds and other fruits" should be established in the region and exports routed directly from Gilgit-Baltistan through upgraded airports.

Read: Campaigning peaks as G-B polls near

On the region's mineral wealth, Rafique said, "I have seen your precious stones lying untouched. Raw material is being sent out," arguing that cutting and polishing facilities should be established locally so that the real profits can be earned by the people of this region.

Highlighting tourism and infrastructure challenges, he said, "Behind every mountain here lies a breathtaking valley," but noted that roads remained inadequate and tourism potential largely untapped.

He further pointed to the region's energy resources, saying, "There are springs, waterfalls, and streams. A river flows through every valley, yet there is no electricity," and called for investment in hydropower, wind, and solar energy projects.

"If proper attention is given, this region of Pakistan can become Switzerland," Rafique said, concluding his address, and urged voters to shape their future through the ballot box.

Gilgit-Baltistan's general elections, delayed four months due to harsh winter weather, are now days away, with campaigning entering its final and most intense phase across the region. Extensive security arrangements are being put in place ahead of polling day, with around 6,000 Punjab Police personnel already being dispatched from Rawalpindi and Lahore in armed convoys accompanied by Rescue 1122 ambulances.

An additional 150 Islamabad Capital Territory Police officers — drawn from sensitive postings including the President's House, PM House, and Foreign Office security detail — have also been assigned election duty and are set to depart for G-B on Thursday, returning on June 9.

PML-N has deployed senior leadership on the ground, with Rafique, Khurram Dastgir Khan, and Abid Sher Ali leading rallies across multiple districts. Federal ministers Attaullah Tarar and Amir Muqam have also been active on the trail. Party president Nawaz Sharif addressed a rally earlier this week, pledging infrastructure, aviation, and energy projects for the region and promising to raise G-B's concerns with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari was among the most active leaders on the campaign trail, covering ground extensively across the region. He had called for G-B to be granted the same constitutional rights and powers available to the provinces under the 18th Amendment, arguing this is the only path to the region's people having genuine ownership of their resources.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, on the other hand, had alleged it is operating under significant restrictions, with its election symbol removed and leaders like Asad Qaiser reportedly stopped from travelling to the region. Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan maintained that the party would continue its campaign despite these constraints.