PML-N Vice-President Maryam Nawaz kick-started weeklong political campaign for the November 15 Gilgit-Baltistan election with a public gathering in Skardu on Thursday.
Addressing a rally in Ganche district adorned in the region’s traditional cap with feathers, Maryam began her speech by thanking the people for their passion. “The way you have come out to attend the rally, do the same on the day of the polls and vote for the PML-N,” she said, vowing to the fight for the people’s rights. “Without GB, Pakistan is like a body without blood.”
Maryam thanked former premier Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Pervez Rasheed and former GB chief minister Hafiz Hafeez ur Rehman for staying by Nawaz Sharif’s side through thick and thin. “Today, politicking has changed. And it should change,” she told the crowd. “Those who remain loyal to their party and aren’t sell outs, deserve votes. I have heard that out of our 16 candidates, eight or nine have changed loyalties. Remember this when you go out to vote that those who cannot endure pressure, will never stand for the public’s rights,” she said. “Promise me you will not vote for those who change their loyalties. Those who backstab their party do not deserve your votes,” she added.
Maryam also lashed out at Prime Minister Imran Khan, alleging that the premier was taking credit for projects PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif had laid the groundwork for. “The fake prime minister [Imran Khan] announced to make GB a province. You may be a fake premier but you are still a premier. You don’t realise how people are struggling due to inflation,” she said. Blaming the incumbent government for sugar and wheat crisis, Maryam recalled the premier’s promise of 10 million jobs. “Has any youth in Skardu found employment? Did he fulfil his promise to provide housing?” Addressing PM Imran, Maryam said, “You promised tabdeeli [change] in nine days. Your promises are fake.” She urged the people of Skardu to send the “lying premier” home. “He is about to go. The last push will be given by the people of GB.”
