PM says national progress incomplete without uplift of GB, AJK

• Premier Shehbaz launches major development push in GB, pledging equitable national growth

• Inaugurates 100MW solar project, distributes 58MW free solar panels

• Performs groundbreaking of four Daanish Schools in Sultanabad, Bunji, Ghanche and Skardu for underprivileged students

• Expands Safe City project to Gilgit, and announces for Skardu with laptops and loans distribution for youth empowerment

 GILGIT/ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday reaffirmed that the government remained committed to ensuring equitable development across all regions of Pakistan, stressing that national progress would remain incomplete without the uplift of Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

The prime minister was speaking at the inauguration and groundbreaking ceremony of multiple development projects in Gilgit-Baltistan, including renewable energy initiatives, Safe City projects and the establishment of Daanish Schools, alongside the distribution of free solar panels, laptops and business loan cheques among youth.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif unveils the plaque to mark the ground breaking for Danish Schools to be constructed in Sultanabad, Ganche, Astore and Skardu. Gilgit, 7 May, 2026. pic.twitter.com/TdAgZ6JX75

— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) May 7, 2026

Addressing the ceremony, the prime minister directed authorities to complete the solar energy project by mid-2027, saying it would significantly ease electricity shortages in the mountainous region, particularly during harsh winters.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shebaz Sharif inaugurates Safe City Gilgit and Safe City Project Skardu. Gilgit, 7 May 2026. pic.twitter.com/9ozx6TYChg

— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) May 7, 2026

He also revealed that confiscated solar panels recovered in a fraud case had been redirected for free distribution in Gilgit-Baltistan instead of being auctioned.

وزیرِ اعظم محمد شہباز شریف نے آج گلگت میں شمسی توانائی کے منصوبوں، دانش سکولوں کے سنگ بنیاد، سیف سٹی گلگت اور سیف سٹی سکردو کے افتتاح، مفت سولر پینلز کی تقسیم، وزیراعظم یوتھ پروگرام کے تحت طلباء ء میں لیپ ٹاپس کی تقسیم اور وزیراعظم یوتھ پروگرام کے تحت کاروباری اور زرعی قرضوں کے… pic.twitter.com/EzcQz7lv6n

— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) May 7, 2026

He inaugurated a 100-megawatt solar power project for the region and launched the distribution of 58MW worth of free solar panels among domestic and commercial consumers under a transparent digital balloting system. He said more than 50,000 applications were received, out of which around 15,000 beneficiaries were selected purely on merit.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif addresses the laptops and Cheques distribution ceremony under PM's Youth Laptop and PM's Business and Agriculture Loan Schemes. Gilgit, 7 May 2026. pic.twitter.com/1I5ZDj6Etb

— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) May 7, 2026

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif distributes laptops among the beneficiaries from GB under PM's Youth Laptop Scheme. Gilgit, 7 May 2026. pic.twitter.com/3F2RuhR4hO

— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) May 7, 2026

Four Daanish Schools announced in GB

Highlighting education reforms, the prime minister laid the foundation stones of four Daanish Schools in Sultanabad, Bunji, Ghanche and Skardu, aimed at providing modern education facilities to underprivileged children.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif distributes laptops among the beneficiaries from GB under PM's Youth Laptop Scheme. Gilgit, 7 May 2026. pic.twitter.com/dG10j3JIkA

— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) May 7, 2026

He directed authorities to ensure uniform standards, merit-based recruitment of local teachers, and provision of modern facilities including e-libraries, smart classrooms, free meals and boarding.

“These schools will provide opportunities to talented children from humble backgrounds to excel and compete at national and international levels,” he said, adding that education for girls would be completely free in these institutions.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif interacts with the beneficiaries of PM'S Youth Laptop Scheme and PM's Youth Business and Agriculture Loan Scheme hailing from GB. Gilgit, 7 May 2026. pic.twitter.com/7RT5Q6rgO1

— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) May 7, 2026

Safe City, youth empowerment initiatives launched

The prime minister also inaugurated the Gilgit Safe City Project Phase-II and announced the Skardu Safe City project, directing that it be developed on standards equal to or better than Lahore’s Safe City system. He emphasized proper maintenance and modernisation of security infrastructure.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif in a group photo with the beneficiaries of PM's Youth Laptop Scheme. Gilgit, 7 May 2026. pic.twitter.com/z7GdnhAtdZ

— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) May 7, 2026

During the ceremony, he distributed laptops under the Prime Minister’s Laptop Scheme among high-achieving students and handed over cheques under the Prime Minister’s Youth Agriculture and Business Loan Scheme to promote entrepreneurship.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif in a group photo with the beneficiaries of PM's Youth Business and Agriculture Loan Scheme hailing from Gilgit Baltistan. Gilgit, 7 May 2026. pic.twitter.com/7PuqQ2QUxd

— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) May 7, 2026

He praised the resilience and determination of GB’s youth, saying the laptops were not a favour but recognition of merit and hard work. He reiterated that all government schemes were being implemented strictly on merit without political influence.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif receives briefing regarding the construction of Danish Schools in Sultanabad, Ganche, Astore and Skardu. Gilgit, 7 May 2026. pic.twitter.com/DcT6GRCPbW

— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) May 7, 2026

Regional peace and diplomatic efforts

The prime minister also underscored Pakistan’s role in promoting regional peace, stating that the country played a constructive role in recent diplomatic efforts during Iran-US tensions and ceasefire developments, adding that history would acknowledge Pakistan’s contribution.

He lauded the efforts of Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir for helping avert prolonged regional conflict.

Development overview and official remarks

Earlier, a guard of honour was presented by Gilgit-Baltistan Police contingent. The prime minister also interacted with students, including one who attended the ceremony on his wedding day to receive a laptop.

Chairman Prime Minister’s Youth Programme Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan said record development projects were inaugurated, including a solarisation initiative to install 18MW systems on 499 buildings in the first phase and 82MW solar parks across three divisions in the next phase.

Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Amir Muqam said the projects would significantly improve living standards, noting that the prime minister had consistently stood by the people during natural disasters.

Energy Minister Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari said the solar project cost had increased from Rs24 billion to Rs32 billion due to inclusion of battery storage systems, enabling round-the-clock electricity and expanding beneficiaries from 600,000 to over 1.3 million people.

Adviser to the Prime Minister Rana Sanaullah Khan said Daanish Schools would provide education comparable to elite institutions, especially benefiting children from low-income families.

Federal ministers including Attaullah Tarar, Abdul Aleem Khan and SAPM Talha Burki accompanied the prime minister during the visit.

Syed Mehdi Shah and Caretaker Chief Minister Justice (R) Yar Mohammad were also present.

Meetings with GB leadership

Earlier, the prime minister met separately with the Gilgit-Baltistan governor and caretaker chief minister.

Caretaker CM GB Justice (R) Yar Muhammad calls on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. Gilgit, 7 May 2026. pic.twitter.com/ybVNzSQ0si

— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) May 7, 2026

The meetings discussed ongoing development projects, law and order situation and administrative matters.

Upon arrival, the prime minister was received by the GB governor and caretaker chief minister.

Governor GB Syed Mehdi Shah calls on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif in Gilgit on 7 May 2026. pic.twitter.com/9k4HCrIETW

— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) May 7, 2026

During the visit, the prime minister inaugurated solar power and Safe City projects, laptop distribution, and youth business and agriculture loan schemes for Gilgit-Baltistan. He also laid the foundation stone of four Daanish Schools in the region.