Summary Nawaz Sharif urges PML-N to deliver in Azad Kashmir, promising development, merit-based governance, education support and welfare initiatives for AJK residents.
MURREE (Dunya News) – PML-N President Nawaz Sharif has said that political differences should not go so far as to turn into enmity, adding that he had always treated political opponents well.
“We did not expect to be given an opportunity to complain by the PPP,” Nawaz said, stressing that political rivalry should remain within limits. He added that the political environment in Azad Kashmir had traditionally remained positive.
Congratulating those who won the Azad Kashmir elections, Nawaz said the PML-N had already secured a majority in the first two phases of the elections. He also praised those who could not win.
Nawaz said the party would face public disappointment if it failed to deliver in Azad Kashmir. He noted that the PPP had previously governed the region and said the welfare of the people of Azad Kashmir was the PML-N’s top priority.
He said the country’s situation was in a poor state when Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif took charge. Development in Punjab was initiated under Shehbaz Sharif and later carried forward by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, he added.
“The people of Azad Kashmir are looking towards Punjab’s development,” Nawaz said.
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He accused his opponents of merely raising slogans without taking practical steps for development, saying the country was moving forward rather than backward and that its problems would soon be overcome.
Nawaz called for laptops and scholarships for students in Azad Kashmir and urged Shehbaz Sharif to provide maximum funds to the region. He also said a Kisan Card should be introduced in Azad Kashmir.
He praised Ameer Muqam and Rana Sanaullah for working tirelessly during the election campaign, saying Ameer Muqam had campaigned as if it were his own election.
“Just as Punjab was transformed, we will transform Azad Kashmir as well,” he said.
Nawaz stressed that the Azad Kashmir cabinet should be formed on merit and directed the party to implement its manifesto in full. He also called for development projects to be launched across Azad Kashmir on a large scale.
Earlier, a key meeting of the PML-N’s central leadership, chaired by Nawaz Sharif, discussed the formation of the government in Azad Kashmir.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and newly elected PML-N members of the Azad Kashmir Legislative Assembly attended the meeting.
According to sources, the meeting also discussed potential candidates for the next prime minister of Azad Kashmir. PML-N Azad Kashmir President Shah Ghulam Qadir is considered the strongest contender, while Tariq Farooq, retired Colonel Waqar and Raja Farooq Haider are also in the race.
The Azad Kashmir parliamentary party has reportedly authorised Nawaz Sharif to make the final decision regarding the prime minister.
Earlier, a list of candidates for the reserved seats was sent to Nawaz Sharif. The proposed women’s seats include Maria Iqbal Tarana, Nasira Khan, Maryam Kashmiri, Nisara Abbasi and Sehrish Qamar.
Raja Shadab Sikandar is likely to be nominated for the technocrat seat, Pir Mazhar Saeed for the Ulema and Mashaikh seat, and Raja Mohammad Javed for the overseas reserved seat.
Sources said the final approval of the candidates would be given by PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif.
