Pakistan: A Blueprint For Gilgit-Baltistan’s Untapped Potential – OpEd

The rugged beauty of Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), often called the "Crown of Pakistan," has long captivated those fortunate enough to glimpse its stunning landscapes. But for decades, this scenic region has languished on the margins of national development. Now, under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s leadership, a decisive shift is underway—one that could chart a course for Gilgit-Baltistan’s transformation into a regional powerhouse of infrastructure, energy, education, and economic opportunity.

Prime Minister Sharif’s recent visit to the region was more than a ceremonial gesture. It marked the launch of a new era for GB, as the federal government sets its sights on addressing the region’s chronic underdevelopment. In a series of high-profile announcements, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stones for a raft of large-scale projects that promise to reshape GB’s economic future—from energy and infrastructure to tourism and education. These initiatives represent a long-overdue effort to harness the region's immense potential, not just for its residents, but for the country as a whole.

At the core of PM Sharif’s vision for Gilgit-Baltistan is a fundamental belief: infrastructure and energy capacity are the key to unlocking its full potential. For too long, the region has been hobbled by a lack of modern infrastructure, energy shortfalls, and limited access to education. But the government’s ambitious new investments aim to change that. Roads, bridges, and digital connectivity are now at the heart of a national development agenda that could propel GB into a new era of prosperity.

One of the most significant aspects of the Prime Minister’s visit was the announcement of two major hydropower projects. These initiatives will add critical capacity to the region’s power grid, addressing the perennial energy shortages that have plagued the area for years. Additionally, the Prime Minister revealed plans for a 100-megawatt solar project, set to be completed within the year. These steps are not just about meeting local energy demands—they are investments in the long-term sustainability of the region’s growth, creating a robust energy infrastructure capable of supporting industrial and economic expansion for decades to come.

Equally vital to GB’s future is its road and transport infrastructure. In a region as geographically challenging as GB, effective roads and highways are essential to connect communities, facilitate trade, and unlock the area’s tourism potential. During his visit, Sharif highlighted the critical role tourism will play in GB’s development, stressing that the region’s unmatched natural beauty and cultural richness must be leveraged to attract both domestic and international visitors. A seamless transport network will not only make tourism more accessible but will also stimulate broader economic activity by facilitating the movement of goods and services.

Perhaps the most transformative aspect of Sharif’s visit was the announcement of a new Technical University in GB, aimed at giving the region’s youth the tools to succeed in a rapidly changing world. Alongside this, a Rs 1 billion endowment fund for students at Baltistan University and Karakorum University underscores the government’s commitment to higher education in the region. With education, particularly in technical fields, becoming an essential component of the global economy, this initiative promises to equip young people in GB with the skills they need to thrive.

Education, of course, is not limited to the classroom. The federal government’s efforts to bring GB into the digital age are equally noteworthy. The ongoing SFiber Project, which will lay 950 kilometers of optical fiber cable across the region, is a game-changing initiative that will bring high-speed internet to more than 15,000 customers. This connectivity is crucial for expanding educational opportunities, fostering innovation, and enabling young people to engage in the growing global digital economy. Further enhancing this digital push, the government is establishing Software Technology Parks and Freelancing Hubs to help local youth tap into the booming online freelancing market.

Beyond these concrete projects, Sharif’s visit was also a gesture of solidarity with the people of Gilgit-Baltistan, who have long endured both natural and man-made hardships. In Ghizer, where devastating floods displaced thousands in 2022, the Prime Minister personally oversaw recovery efforts, highlighting the government’s commitment to disaster management and humanitarian support. His visit to the area underscored a compassionate, people-centered approach to governance, with survivors like young Qandeel receiving both practical and financial assistance as part of the ongoing rehabilitation efforts.

The government’s investment in Gilgit-Baltistan is not limited to infrastructure and education. Healthcare, too, is a priority, with new projects such as the 50-bed cardiac hospital, a 250-bed facility in Skardu, and the 16 MW Naltar Power Project all set to address pressing needs in the region. The approval of Rs 56 billion in new projects by the Gilgit-Baltistan Development Working Party reflects the scale of the federal government’s commitment to the region’s long-term growth and well-being.

Perhaps most promising, however, is the emphasis on local empowerment and participation. By investing in key sectors like energy, education, and infrastructure, the government is not only fostering self-sufficiency but also ensuring that Gilgit-Baltistan is integrated into Pakistan’s broader economic framework. Whether through tourism, IT, or renewable energy, the region’s economy is being woven into the national fabric in ways that will enable sustainable growth for generations to come.

In a geopolitical context, PM Sharif’s visit was also a firm statement of national unity. By focusing on development in this strategically sensitive region, Islamabad is reinforcing its commitment to the territorial integrity of Pakistan. It sends a clear message to those seeking to destabilize the region that the federal government is invested in its future—and will not allow outside forces to dictate the trajectory of its development.

For too long, Gilgit-Baltistan has been held back by political marginalization and underinvestment. But the federal government’s recent initiatives offer a hopeful glimpse into the future. As PM Sharif remarked during his visit, the people of Gilgit-Baltistan have long displayed resilience, strength, and patriotism in the face of adversity. Now, with the full backing of the federal government, the region has the opportunity to realize its dreams of economic growth and prosperity.

Gilgit-Baltistan stands at the precipice of a new era. With sustained investment and commitment from Islamabad, it could soon serve as a model of regional development—a beacon of hope not only for Pakistan but for the broader South Asian region.