PML-N supremo questions lack of development in AJK after his ouster from power

PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif on Friday questioned the perceived stagnation of development in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) following his departure from the prime minister's office. Speaking at a public rally in Mirpur, AJK, alongside Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, Sharif challenged subsequent governments over their failure to initiate or complete development projects.

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Behind every project in AJK or Pakistan, you will find the PML-N’s stamp on it.

"Behind every project in AJK or Pakistan, you will find the PML-N’s stamp on it," Sharif declared, directly asking the audience if any other party had contributed to the region's progress. He expressed a deep personal connection to Kashmir, calling it his "first home." Sharif presented a manifesto for AJK, emphasizing education as a top priority, with promises to build schools, colleges, and universities, and to offer scholarships to meritorious students.

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Kashmir is as dear to me as Lahore. It is not my second home; it is my first home.

Further outlining his party's vision for AJK, Sharif pledged significant attention to the healthcare sector. He announced that air-conditioned buses, mirroring those in Punjab, and mobile hospitals were being provided for Mirpur. He vowed to personally oversee the implementation of the AJK manifesto, accompanied by the next prime minister, if the PML-N regains power. The manifesto also includes providing laptops to all AJK youth and establishing an international airport in Mirpur, with a push for natural gas connections to every home.

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The youth of AJK will get education. Schools, colleges and universities will be built here. Scholarships will also be given to meritorious students.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz echoed Sharif's sentiments, expressing confidence in the PML-N's electoral success across AJK. She highlighted that while AJK possesses ample resources, it lacks adequate infrastructure, including better hospitals and public transportation. She promised that the services currently offered in Punjab would be extended to AJK without delay upon winning the elections. The elections in AJK are scheduled in three stages from July 27 to August 10.

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The time has come for AJK to be lit up with development.