In a significant development, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President and former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif declared on Tuesday that he would request Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to appoint him as the prime minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) if his party wins the forthcoming elections. The announcement came during a party rally in Muzaffarabad, where Nawaz Sharif, accompanied by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, launched the PML-N’s election campaign ahead of the phased AJK polls set to begin on July 27.
Addressing party supporters, Nawaz expressed that it had been a considerable time since he last met the people of AJK. He emphasized his strong connection to the region, stating that Azad Kashmir holds the same importance to him as Punjab, describing it as his second home. The former premier also questioned the absence of a motorway between Kohala and Muzaffarabad, highlighting infrastructure gaps in the region.
Nawaz Sharif pledged that if the PML-N secures victory, he would personally visit AJK every three months to monitor development projects. He urged voters to support the party, promising that the PML-N would prioritize resolving the region’s challenges. Drawing attention to ongoing projects in Punjab, he noted that initiatives started by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif are now being completed under the leadership of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.
He further committed to increasing AJK’s budget tenfold if his party forms the government, alongside launching significant infrastructure and public welfare programs. Nawaz recalled that during his tenure as prime minister, the budget for AJK had been doubled. He also announced the imminent arrival of 10 electric, air-conditioned green buses in Muzaffarabad and the deployment of 15 mobile hospitals to enhance healthcare services in the region.
Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz addressed the crowd, asserting her deep personal ties to Azad Jammu and Kashmir. She emphasized that she does not consider herself a guest but rather a Kashmiri by blood, heart, mind, soul, and ancestry. Maryam highlighted the PML-N’s previous success in AJK elections, where the party won 17 seats compared to three secured by the then prime minister’s party. She alleged that attempts were made to alter election results, which she claimed contributed to ongoing regional issues.
Without directly naming opponents, Maryam Nawaz criticized political rivals for their complaints and accusations during speeches, questioning their legitimacy given that their own party governs the region. She stressed that the PML-N’s campaign is based on performance rather than mere promises, showcasing the Punjab government’s achievements over the past two years.
Maryam pledged transformative change for Azad Kashmir’s future if voters elect the PML-N. She announced plans to extend Punjab government initiatives to AJK, including housing, cleanliness drives, and youth support programs. Educational assistance was also highlighted, with 2,000 scholarships and laptops promised for young people. Additionally, she revealed intentions to launch the “Apni Chhat Apna Ghar” housing project in AJK and expressed her intention to request Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to introduce a “Suthra Azad Kashmir” initiative aimed at further regional development.
