MUZAFFARABAD – Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Nawaz Sharif formally inaugurated his party’s election campaign for Azad Jammu and Kashmir with a large public gathering in the capital, blending a series of development pledges with a moment of levity that energized the crowd. Addressing supporters, he reaffirmed his deep-rooted connection to the territory and vowed stringent oversight of his party’s promises.
The former prime minister told the rally that he views the region as a second home and regretted the long interval since his last visit. “It has been a long time since we last met. I have come to see you after a long gap,” Sharif said, expressing profound affection for the local population.
Quarterly Progress Checks Promised
In a key commitment aimed at ensuring accountability, Nawaz Sharif pledged a hands-on approach to governance if his party is elected. He stated that regardless of his status in federal politics, he would personally visit Azad Kashmir every three months to monitor the implementation of the PML-N manifesto.
“I have always honoured the commitments I made,” Sharif declared. He assured the audience that these quarterly visits would be dedicated to reviewing progress on promised initiatives, signaling a direct supervisory role over the regional administration.
Praise for Punjab Leadership and a Light-Hearted Pledge
Sharif lauded the performance of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, describing her as a tireless worker for the public who would continue to highlight development projects under her leadership. He contrasted this with a critique of previous governments, alleging that administrations which followed his tenure had halted national progress and inflicted significant damage.
“If we get another opportunity, we will make up for the lost time,” he told the energized crowd, expressing hope that Muzaffarabad could surpass other cities in development.
The rally’s most memorable moment came when Nawaz Sharif made a humorous remark that drew loud applause and laughter. “I feel like telling Shehbaz Sharif to make me the Prime Minister ofad Kashmir. You should make Nawaz Sharif the Prime Minister of Azad Kashmir… I’m only joking,” he quipped.
Before commencing his formal address, the PML-N leader briefly expressed dissatisfaction with the stage arrangements, telling organizers they had done a poor job with the setup. The candid moment occurred just seconds before he began speaking to the thousands gathered in Muzaffarabad.
