PML N President Nawaz Sharif criticised PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari during an election rally in Mirpur, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), saying, “This is Kashmir, not Kashmore, and this is Mirpur, not Mirpurkhas.” His remarks came as political parties intensified campaigning ahead of the upcoming AJK Legislative Assembly elections.
While addressing supporters, Nawaz Sharif said his comments were made in good spirit and stressed that political competition should remain respectful. He stated that democracy thrives through healthy political rivalry, debate, and public service rather than conflict or violence. According to the former prime minister, political leaders should compete through performance and development instead of personal attacks.
During his speech, Nawaz claimed that Azad Jammu and Kashmir had witnessed limited development since he left office. He questioned what successive governments had delivered for the region and urged voters to compare their performance with that of the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML N). He described AJK as his first home and reaffirmed his party’s commitment to improving public services.
The former prime minister also unveiled several development promises for the region. He pledged to improve the education sector, establish additional cancer and heart hospitals, expand the road network, construct new motorways, and pursue an expressway connecting Murree and Muzaffarabad. He further promised to extend gas connections to households in Mirpur and seek approval for an international airport if the PML N forms the next government in AJK.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, who also addressed the gathering, expressed confidence that her party would secure victory across all divisions of AJK. She announced that electric buses and 10 mobile hospitals would be introduced in Mirpur while promising to expand welfare programmes, healthcare services, housing initiatives, and modern transport facilities throughout the region.
The AJK elections will be held in three phases beginning July 27, making the coming weeks crucial as political parties compete to win public support through their development agendas and election pledges.
