Nawaz questions lack of development in AJK after leaving office

ISLAMABAD: PML-N supremo and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif on Friday questioned why development activity in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) had not continued after his removal from office, as he addressed a public rally in Mirpur alongside Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz ahead of the upcoming elections.

Nawaz criticised the governments that followed him, asking why Mirpur and other parts of AJK had not seen fresh development work and why earlier projects had not been initiated or completed. Referring to his party’s record, he said the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz had been behind major schemes in both AJK and the rest of the country.

Speaking to supporters, Nawaz said,

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

and also asked,

“Tell me if any other party has done something for AJK.”

He added that Kashmir held deep personal importance for him, saying,

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

Manifesto promises

Nawaz said he had come with a manifesto for AJK and identified education as his foremost priority. He said young people in the region would be provided education facilities and promised the construction of schools, colleges and universities. He also said scholarships would be offered to high-achieving students.

On healthcare, he said special focus would be given to the sector. He announced that Maryam Nawaz had brought air-conditioned buses for the people of Mirpur, similar to those operating in Punjab, as well as hospitals on wheels.

Nawaz further said that if the PML-N formed the government in AJK, he would personally oversee implementation of the party’s manifesto and visit every street in the region with the next prime minister. He also said the party’s programme included provision of a laptop to every youngster in AJK.

Mirpur airport, gas and political remarks

The PML-N leader said he would meet Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and stress the need for an international airport in Mirpur as well as natural gas connections for every household in AJK.

Referring to recent remarks by PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, Nawaz said some light-hearted political banter could be acceptable in politics, but violence and physical confrontations were not.

The rally in Mirpur was held as the PML-N stepped up its campaign for the forthcoming AJK elections, with Nawaz and Maryam Nawaz presenting development and public service promises to voters.