LAHORE – Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Nawaz Sharif on Friday proposed funds allocation for Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) under the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award.
Addressing party leaders from AJK and G-B in Lahore, Sharif argued that, compared to the in-vestments made in provinces, the NFC Award has lagged behind. He suggested that the federal government itself should demand the NFC Award instead of provinces asking for it.
He said that even when the federal government allocates funds to AJK and G-B, they are often not properly utilized. “There should be awareness regarding the use of NFC funds. These funds are not charity; they are a right,” he said. The PML-N leader further stated that GB and AJK should receive funds under the NFC Award. “I will request the prime minister to ensure these funds are allocated to both regions,” he added. He noted that public opinion in AJK and G-B is favourable, and the political environment is posi-tive, which should translate into good election results.
He emphasised the importance of merit in distributing election tickets. He said, “Whether it is Pakistan’s general election or provincial elections, we have never compromised on merit. Old par-ty colleagues should be awarded tickets based on merit.”
Sharif also highlighted achievements in Punjab under the “Suthra Punjab Project”, saying it has made Punjab a developed province.
He said that law and order have improved significantly, hospitals are being expanded across the province, and patients from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and other regions are coming to Punjab for medical treatment.
Meanwhile, President Asif Ali Zardari yesterday approved the schedule for general elections in Gilgit Baltistan, setting January 24, 2026 as the polling date, according to an official notification issued here.
According to an official notification issued under Article 48-A(1) of the Gilgit-Baltistan Order 2018 and Section 57(1) of the Election Act 2017, polling across the region will be conducted on the scheduled date.
The presidential approval was a necessary procedural step sought by the chief election commissioner (CEC) to formalise proceedings before any rescheduling could take place. The CEC is expected to an-nounce a revised polling date in due course.
The Gilgit-Baltistan caretaker setup was formed on November 25, following the completion of the five-year term of the Gulbar Khan-led government. Caretaker Chief Minister Justice (Retired) Yar Moham-mad took oath the same month.
Following the approval, Chief Election Commissioner Abid Ali said the Election Commission of Gilgit Bal-tistan will issue a detailed schedule in the coming days. He noted that the commission plans to con-vene an all-parties conference to consult major political groups ahead of the polls.
The region has been under a caretaker setup since November 24, when the Gilgit Baltistan Assembly completed its five-year term. Justice retired Yar Muhammad Nasir, a former judge of the Gilgit Bal-tistan Chief Court, is currently serving as the caretaker chief minister.
The previous elections in Gilgit Baltistan were held in November 2020 across 24 constituencies. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf secured a majority and formed the government with Khalid Khurshid as chief minister. In July 2023, the Gilgit Baltistan Chief Court disqualified Khurshid, after which a coalition of PTI dissidents, the PPP and the PML-N elected Haji Gulbar Khan to lead the government.
