CM Maryam describes Pakistan-AJK bond as ‘body and soul’ as PML-N eyes electoral comeback

• Punjab CM vows development push for AJK, linking region’s future with Pakistan as PML-N eyes electoral victory

• Says Pakistan and AJK are inseparable, pledges Punjab-style welfare projects

• Announces 10 electric buses for Mirpur, reiterates promise of international airport

• Vows housing, healthcare, transport and tourism initiatives if PML-N returns to power

 LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Friday declared that Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) were inseparable, describing their relationship as "body and soul" and "two sides of the same coin," while unveiling an ambitious package of development initiatives for the region and promising to replicate Punjab’s flagship public welfare programmes if the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) returns to power in AJK.

Addressing a public gathering in Mirpur, the chief minister announced the provision of 10 electric buses for Mirpur and said the same people-centric initiatives that had transformed public services in Punjab would also be extended to Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

اللہ تعالی سے ڈر کے کہتی ہو اگر ڈھائی سال میں پنجاب میں اتنے کام ہو سکتے ہیں کہ تاریخ رقم ہو سکتی ہے تو پانچ سال میں آزاد کشمیر پنجاب سے آگے نکل سکتا ہے۔ اور ان کو میں یہ یاد دہانی کرانا چاہتی ہوں کہ جس سڑک سے چل کر وہ آزاد کشمیر آتے ہیں وہ سڑکیں بھی نواز شریف نے بنائی ہیں۔… pic.twitter.com/DbYUbPVKaj

— Government of Punjab (@GovtofPunjabPK) July 24, 2026

Emphasising the historic and emotional bond between the two, she said, “If Pakistan exists, AJK exists, and if AJK exists, Pakistan exists,” reaffirming her party’s commitment to accelerating development across the region.

Maryam Nawaz also reiterated PML-N President Nawaz Sharif’s commitment to establish an international airport in Mirpur, saying the pledge would be fulfilled because, “everyone knows Nawaz Sharif honours his promises.”

"میں آج جب میرپور آئی تو ٹوٹی سڑکیں دیکھ کر مجھے بہت دکھ ہوا۔ وقت آ گیا ہے کہ میرپور میں بھی ترقی کے چراغ جلیں۔ کشمیر واقعی جنت نظیر ہے۔ اللہ تعالی نے اس میں کسی چیز کی کمی نہیں رکھی ۔ کشمیر میں اگر کسی چیز کی کمی ہے تو وہ نواز شریف کی ہے۔ اور اگر نواز شریف نے آج کہہ دیا ہے کہ… pic.twitter.com/OSNHnVzBs1

— Government of Punjab (@GovtofPunjabPK) July 24, 2026

Referring to the large turnout at the Mirpur rally despite temperatures touching 40 degrees Celsius, and the massive public participation in Nawaz Sharif’s Muzaffarabad gathering despite rain, she said the overwhelming response reflected growing public confidence in the PML-N. Expressing confidence in the party’s electoral prospects, she said she believed the PML-N had already won the political contest in Azad Kashmir.

مخالفین کی جو “کانپیں ٹانگ رہی ہیں” وہ اس بات کا ثبوت ہیں کہ مسلم لیگ نواز نے اللّٰہ تعالیٰ کے فضل و کرم سے اور آزاد کشمیر کے عوام کی سپورٹ سے الیکشن کی بازی جیت لی ہے! pic.twitter.com/YgqtYt10OI

— Government of Punjab (@GovtofPunjabPK) July 24, 2026

Calling herself “a daughter of Kashmir,” the chief minister said her parents and grandparents belonged to the region and that she was “Kashmiri by blood.” She said her deep-rooted connection with Kashmir strengthened her resolve to serve its people.

Maryam Nawaz observed that while Mirpur was home to some of the finest houses in the world, its road infrastructure required significant improvement. She assured the gathering that the city would now witness a new era of development and prosperity under a PML-N government.

Describing Kashmir as “heaven on earth,” she said the region possessed immense tourism potential, adding that properly harnessing this resource could generate sufficient revenue to finance schools, colleges, hospitals and other public welfare projects.

The chief minister said Azad Jammu and Kashmir had yet to benefit from transformative initiatives such as the Kisan Card, Rashan Card, Safe City Project and other welfare schemes launched in Punjab. She pledged to introduce programmes on the pattern of Suthra Punjab in Mirpur, Muzaffarabad and across the territory to improve civic services and the quality of life.

میر پور کشمیر میں جلسہ عام سے خطاب کرتے ہوئے وزیر اعلی پنجاب مریم نواز شریف نے کہا
پنجاب میں اگر آپ کو پیسے کی تنگی ہے، یا آپ کو راشن چاہیے، یا آپ کو وہیل چیئر چاہیے، یا آپ کو ہیرنگ ایڈ یعنی آلہ سماعت چاہیے، یا آپ کو موبائل ٹوائلٹ چاہیے، کچھ بھی چاہیے آپ نے صرف ایک دفعہ فون کرنا… pic.twitter.com/O7BxydKT9O

— Maryam ko Batayn (@MaryamkoBatayn) July 24, 2026

Highlighting the PML-N’s development record, she credited Nawaz Sharif with making Pakistan a nuclear power, ending prolonged electricity load-shedding and delivering landmark infrastructure projects across the country. She said roads linking Murree, Kohala and Azad Kashmir were constructed during Nawaz Sharif’s tenure and maintained that most major development schemes in the region had been executed under PML-N governments.

She further pledged that the modern facilities currently available in Punjab—including housing schemes, quality healthcare, education initiatives and social welfare programmes—would also be introduced in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

Highlighting the Punjab government’s achievements, Maryam Nawaz said 200,000 people had received housing assistance, thousands had been allotted five-marla residential plots, while 200,000 acres of state land had been distributed among underprivileged people to help them earn sustainable livelihoods.

She added that patients suffering from heart disease, diabetes, cancer and tuberculosis were receiving medicines at their doorsteps in Punjab, while initiatives such as the “Maryam Ko Batayein” application, the Suthra Punjab campaign and doorstep policing had significantly improved public service delivery and governance.

Urging voters to support the PML-N in the upcoming elections, the chief minister said the party would transform Azad Jammu and Kashmir through a comprehensive programme of development and public welfare if elected to power.

Reiterating her confidence in the party’s prospects, she said a PML-N victory would change the destiny of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and bring progress and prosperity to every part of the region.

 Punjab dispatches 10 electric buses to AJK

Meanwhile, CM Maryam Nawaz fulfilled her commitment to the people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir by dispatching the 10 electric buses promised during a public gathering in Muzaffarabad.

Acting on the chief minister’s directions, the buses were sent from Murree to AJK and began operating in Muzaffarabad, the region’s capital, within a few hours.

Describing the initiative as a symbol of solidarity, the chief minister said the electric buses were “a gift from the people of Punjab to the people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir.”

She added that trained staff and drivers had also been deployed to Muzaffarabad to ensure the smooth operation of the new transport service.

CM Maryam Nawaz noted that Punjab’s electric bus network already provides free travel to women, students and senior citizens, expressing her desire that the people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir should also benefit from the same modern, environmentally friendly public transport facility.

“Millions of people in Punjab travel on electric buses, and I want the citizens of Azad Jammu and Kashmir to benefit from this service as well,” she said.

Tribute to Tank martyrs

Separately, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz paid tribute to the 15 security personnel who embraced martyrdom during an operation against terrorists in Tank.

She also commended the security forces and police personnel for eliminating 12 terrorists during the operation, describing their courage and professionalism as a source of national pride.

Expressing solidarity with the bereaved families, the chief minister conveyed her heartfelt sympathies and paid homage to the martyrs for their supreme sacrifice in defence of the country.