Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif on Tuesday formally launched the party’s election campaign for the upcoming Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections, promising major infrastructure projects and development initiatives if the party wins power.

The AJK elections, originally scheduled for July 27, will now be held in three phases, beginning on July 27 and concluding on August 10.

Addressing a public gathering in Muzaffarabad alongside Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, Nawaz said he was pleased to return to the city after several years and reaffirmed his affection for the people of Kashmir.

Expressing frustration over technical issues during his speech, Nawaz remarked, “I have come here after such a long time, and my voice isn’t even reaching the people.”

Motorway promise and development agenda

Highlighting his government’s infrastructure record, Nawaz said Pakistan had witnessed the construction of motorways, highways and expressways, but questioned why a motorway connecting Kohala and Muzaffarabad had never been built.

He proposed extending the motorway from Mansehra to Muzaffarabad and onward to Mirpur.

“This will be a precious gift from Nawaz Sharif for the people of Azad Kashmir,” he said, adding that the project would bring prosperity to the region.

“If I didn’t love you so much, why would there be any need to start this project?” he said, describing Muzaffarabad as his “second home.”

Nawaz said that if the PML-N forms the next government in AJK, it would implement every development project promised during the campaign.

He also announced plans to increase AJK’s development budget tenfold, send 10 green buses to Muzaffarabad within days and deploy 15 mobile hospitals to improve healthcare access in remote areas.

“People are still carrying patients down the mountains on charpoys,” he said, stressing the need to modernise healthcare services.

He said he wanted to complete projects left unfinished during his previous tenure and jokingly remarked that he should be made the prime minister of Azad Kashmir so he could personally oversee development.

“I am joking, but I will come here every third month,” he added.

Maryam unveils youth and welfare initiatives

Addressing the rally, Punjab CM Maryam announced a package of education, employment and welfare initiatives for the people of Azad Kashmir, particularly the youth.

She said 2,000 scholarships would be provided to financially disadvantaged students pursuing higher education, while 5,000 laptops would be distributed. Students would also receive iPads and electric bikes.

Maryam pledged to create employment opportunities for young people and provide interest-free loans for entrepreneurs wishing to start businesses.

She also promised to replicate several Punjab government welfare programmes in Azad Kashmir, including Himmat Cards, Rashan Cards, financial assistance for widows and orphaned children, doorstep delivery of public services, free medicines and clean drinking water projects.

For Muzaffarabad, she announced a Green Line bus service, improvements to the city’s sanitation system and measures to ensure a safer environment for women.

“You won’t have to go to the hospital; the hospital will come to you,” she said, referring to the deployment of 15 mobile hospitals.

Political criticism

Without naming political opponents, Maryam criticised rival parties, saying those who had handed sticks to young people during protests could not claim to be their well-wishers.

“I respectfully ask, who are you complaining about? Those who put sticks in your hands cannot be your friends.”

She also questioned the governance record of rival parties.

“Those whose own provinces have broken roads cannot change the destiny of Azad Kashmir,” she said.

Referring to the previous AJK elections, Maryam alleged that their results had been altered.

“I have not come here merely to make promises,” she said. “People who only make promises often forget them after returning home. I have come with the performance of the Punjab government.”

She urged voters to support the PML-N in the upcoming elections, saying the party would introduce Punjab’s development model in Azad Kashmir if elected.

“You should vote thoughtfully. This vote will decide the future of the people,” she said. “Support those who make promises and fulfil them.”