Nawaz Sharif launched the PML-N’s election campaign for the upcoming Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) polls by announcing a series of development promises and joking that he would ask Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to appoint him as the AJK premier if the party wins. Addressing a large rally in Muzaffarabad, he pledged regular visits and extensive development projects for the region.
Speaking to party workers, Nawaz Sharif said it had been a long time since he last met the people of AJK. He described the region as his second home and questioned why a motorway between Kohala and Muzaffarabad had not yet been built. He also promised to visit AJK every three months to personally monitor development work if the PML-N forms the next government.
Nawaz Sharif pledged to increase the AJK budget tenfold if the PML-N wins the elections. He said the party would launch infrastructure and public welfare projects similar to those introduced in Punjab. He also announced that 10 electric green buses and 15 mobile hospitals would soon arrive in Muzaffarabad to improve transport and healthcare services.
The former prime minister said the PML-N had always promoted balanced development across AJK, Gilgit-Baltistan, and all four provinces. He recalled that the region’s budget doubled during his previous tenure as prime minister. He assured supporters that another PML-N government would accelerate development and improve public services throughout Azad Kashmir.
Maryam Nawaz announces youth support
Addressing the gathering, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said she considers Azad Kashmir part of her identity and family heritage. She promised to expand Punjab’s successful welfare programmes to the region if the PML-N wins the elections. She also urged voters to support the party’s development agenda.
Maryam Nawaz announced 2,000 scholarships and laptops for AJK students to support education and youth development. She also pledged to introduce the Apni Chhat Apna Ghar housing scheme and proposed launching a Suthra Azad Kashmir initiative. She said these programmes would help improve living standards and create better opportunities for young people.
