Sharifs’ pre-poll promises to AJK don’t sit well with PPP

Nawaz Sharif, the supremo of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), made a final campaign push for his party's candidates in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) by promising significant development projects. Addressing a large public meeting in Mirpur, Sharif pledged an international airport and the revival of the Mansehra-Muzaffarabad-Mirpur motorway project. He also promised a series of 'gifts' for the region, including 10 'Hospitals on Wheels' and 10 electric buses from the Punjab government, which is led by his daughter, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.

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Kashmir should not be mistaken for Kashmore, nor Mirpur for Mirpurkhas.

Sharif, highlighting his Kashmiri roots, described the region as his "first home." In a move that appeared to target PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, he stated that Kashmir should not be confused with Kashmore, nor Mirpur with Mirpurkhas. He addressed Bhutto-Zardari directly, calling him "Bilawal bhai" and like a son, while emphasizing the need for healthy political sparring without violence.

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Don’t take this the wrong way, Bilawal bhai. You are like a son to me.

However, these pre-poll promises and the apparent jibe at the PPP chief were not well-received by the PML-N's coalition partner. PPP leaders criticized Sharif's remarks as 'frivolous' and 'ridiculous,' urging the Election Commission to take notice of the 'promises.' Maryam Nawaz, speaking after her father, argued that AJK's issues stemmed from inadequate infrastructure and poor governance rather than a lack of resources. She prompted the audience to recall the infrastructure projects, such as the Kohala-Muzaffarabad Road and cardiac hospitals, built under PML-N leadership.

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Political sparring among parties should continue. There can even be some sharp exchanges, and that’s perfectly healthy. But there should be no fighting or violence.