The AJK Election Campaign gained momentum as Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President and former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif addressed a large public rally in Mirpur ahead of the upcoming Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly elections. Alongside Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, he outlined an ambitious development agenda for the region while also taking a light-hearted political swipe at Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari. The rally highlighted the PML-N’s focus on infrastructure, healthcare, education, and public welfare as it seeks to secure victory in the three-phase elections.
Nawaz Sharif Targets Political Opponents
During his speech, Nawaz Sharif made a humorous remark aimed at Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, saying, “This is Kashmir, not Kashmore, and this is Mirpur, not Mirpurkhas.” He quickly added that his comments were made in the spirit of healthy political competition and emphasized that democracy should encourage debate rather than hostility.
The former prime minister stressed that political rivalry should remain respectful and that elections should be fought on the basis of public service and development rather than personal attacks or violence.
Development Takes Center Stage
A major focus of the AJK Election Campaign was Nawaz Sharif’s promise to accelerate development across Azad Jammu and Kashmir. He questioned what progress had been made in the region after his government left office and claimed that significant development projects had stalled following his departure.
He assured supporters that if the PML-N forms the next AJK government, development would once again become the top priority. According to Nawaz, the region deserves modern infrastructure and improved public services comparable to those available in other parts of Pakistan.
Promises for Better Infrastructure
Infrastructure development featured prominently in Nawaz Sharif’s address. He announced plans to build motorways across Azad Jammu and Kashmir to improve transportation and strengthen regional connectivity.
Among the proposed projects was an expressway connecting Murree to Muzaffarabad, which he said would facilitate tourism, trade, and travel between major areas. Nawaz also pledged to expand gas supply networks so that households across Mirpur could benefit from reliable energy access.
In addition, he stated that he would request Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to approve an international airport for Mirpur if the PML-N secures power in AJK.
Healthcare and Education Priorities
The AJK Election Campaign also highlighted improvements in healthcare and education. Nawaz Sharif announced plans to establish more specialized hospitals, particularly for cancer and heart disease treatment, making quality healthcare more accessible for residents.
He also emphasized investing in education by creating better learning opportunities for young people throughout Azad Jammu and Kashmir. According to Nawaz, empowering youth through education is essential for the region’s long-term economic and social development.
He said the PML-N wants future generations to have access to modern educational institutions and improved professional opportunities.
Maryam Nawaz Announces Public Welfare Plans
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz also addressed the gathering and expressed confidence that the PML-N would perform strongly across all three divisions in the upcoming elections.
She said Azad Jammu and Kashmir possesses significant natural and human resources but requires stronger infrastructure and effective governance to unlock its full potential.
Maryam announced that several successful public welfare initiatives introduced in Punjab could also be extended to AJK if the party forms the government.
These include improved healthcare services, electric public transport, housing schemes, and social welfare programs designed to improve the quality of life for residents.
Electric Buses and Mobile Hospitals
Among the notable announcements during the AJK Election Campaign was the introduction of electric buses and mobile healthcare facilities.
Nawaz Sharif said that electric buses would soon arrive in Mirpur to provide environmentally friendly and modern public transportation. The initiative aims to improve mobility while reducing pollution.
He also announced that ten mobile hospitals would be deployed to expand healthcare access, particularly for residents living in remote and underserved areas where medical facilities remain limited.
Upcoming AJK Elections
The Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly elections will be held in three phases, beginning with Mirpur Division, followed by Muzaffarabad Division and Poonch Division.
Political parties have intensified their campaigns as they compete to win public support across the region. Development projects, economic opportunities, healthcare improvements, and education remain central issues influencing voters ahead of polling.
The PML-N is positioning its campaign around promises of infrastructure expansion and public service delivery while emphasizing its previous record in government.
Focus on Regional Progress
Throughout the rally, Nawaz Sharif repeatedly described Azad Jammu and Kashmir as a place close to his heart, saying he considers it his first home. He promised to visit the region regularly and personally oversee development initiatives if the PML-N forms the next government.
The party’s leadership argued that sustained investment in roads, hospitals, schools, transportation, and housing would contribute to economic growth while improving daily life for residents.
The AJK Election Campaign has entered an important phase as political parties present their visions for the future of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Nawaz Sharif used the Mirpur rally to outline an ambitious development agenda focused on infrastructure, healthcare, education, and public welfare while encouraging respectful political competition.
With polling set to take place in three phases, voters will soon decide which party they believe can best deliver on these promises. As campaigning continues, development and governance are expected to remain the defining themes shaping the electoral contest across Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
