LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz targeted the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) during a rally in Muzaffarabad, without explicitly naming them. She questioned how those whose own provinces’ roads are broken could build roads in Azad Kashmir, and how they could allocate resources to the region when their provinces are plagued with corruption.
Addressing the crowd, Maryam Nawaz vowed that if the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) came into power, every village in Azad Kashmir would have proper roads. She also criticized PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto, asking rhetorically which complaints he was raising since his party is the current government.
Announcing several welfare initiatives, Maryam Nawaz revealed plans to help residents build homes under the “My House, My Shelter” scheme, providing interest-free loans to youth for business ventures, and supplying laptops and electric bikes. She also announced scholarships for 2,000 talented students and free medical treatment for 400 children in Lahore. She emphasized that the development projects underway in Punjab would be extended to Azad Kashmir.
She stated, “The manifesto of the Muslim League is that the progress happening in Punjab should also take place in Azad Kashmir. This region is not for false promises but for those who deliver on their commitments.” She added that a strong Pakistan translates into a strong Azad Kashmir.
Maryam Nawaz passionately declared her ties to Kashmir, saying, “I am not just a guest here; Azad Kashmir is mine — I am Kashmiri in blood, heart, and soul.”
Recalling past electoral campaigns, she said, “In 2021, I received immense love and prayers. Our party won 17 seats in Azad Kashmir then, and the then-Prime Minister had asked to reverse those results, leading to current issues. He even tried to prevent me from visiting Kashmir by arresting me in front of Nawaz Sharif.”
She warned against trusting those who have wielded power over the region and expressed her desire to see progress. “If you choose N-League, I promise your region’s destiny will change. Look around at the development in Punjab due to Nawaz Sharif and N-League. Until every child in Azad Kashmir gets free education, we will not rest.”
She claimed that law and order in Punjab has improved due to dedicated efforts, with even the education minister’s son studying in a government school.
Finally, she recounted a humorous incident where an elderly man in the crowd mistakenly thought Nawaz Sharif was speaking at a rally, and when informed otherwise, said he had come out of excitement to see Maryam Nawaz.
