THE Pakistan Muslim League (N)’s public gathering in Muzaffarabad marked a significant moment in the politics of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). After an eight-year gap, the visit of PML-N Quaid, Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, revived political activity in the region and reinforced the longstanding relationship between the people of Kashmir and Pakistan. Despite heavy rain, thousands of supporters, including women, youth, senior citizens and party workers, attended the rally, reflecting the enduring political support enjoyed by the party and the expectations many Kashmiris associate with its leadership. The gathering was more than an election campaign; it served as a platform to reaffirm political commitments and present a development-oriented vision for AJK. Among the announcements made during the visit, one statement by Nawaz Sharif drew particular attention. He remarked that if Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ever nominated him to serve as Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, he would willingly accept the responsibility. While some interpreted the comment as a political gesture, others viewed it as an expression of his longstanding emotional attachment to Kashmir and his desire to contribute directly to the region’s progress.
The statement naturally prompted questions. Why would a leader who has served three terms as Prime Minister of Pakistan and led a nation of more than 250 million people express interest in leading a region with a population of around four and a half million? Supporters argue that the answer lies in Nawaz Sharif’s perception of Kashmir as more than an administrative territory. For him, AJK represents Pakistan’s historical, ideological and political commitment to the Kashmir cause. Throughout his political career, he has acknowledged the sacrifices and resilience of the Kashmiri people and repeatedly emphasized Pakistan’s support for their aspirations. His supporters also point to his record in development as evidence of what he could contribute to AJK. During previous PML-N governments, Pakistan witnessed major investments in roads, energy, industry, education and healthcare. Although political assessments of those governments differ, infrastructure development and economic growth remained central themes of Nawaz Sharif’s governance. Speaking in Muzaffarabad, he stressed the need to increase development resources for AJK so that the region could realise its potential in tourism, trade, education, healthcare and investment. Given the area’s natural beauty, strategic location and human resources, many believe sustained investment could transform it into a leading economic and tourism destination.
Nawaz Sharif’s association with Kashmir extends beyond political rhetoric. Supporters recall that after undergoing heart surgery in 2011, he visited several districts of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, met local communities and listened to their concerns. During that period, proposals for improving road connectivity between Mansehra, Muzaffarabad, Mirpur and Bhimber also gained prominence. Advocates of those initiatives argue that, had they continued, they could have significantly improved regional connectivity and economic opportunities. His governments also consistently highlighted the Kashmir issue in Pakistan’s foreign policy and reiterated support for the rights and aspirations of the Kashmiri people. Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s presence alongside Nawaz Sharif added another dimension to the visit. As Chief Minister of Punjab, she highlighted welfare initiatives introduced in the province and announced plans to provide modern electric buses and mobile healthcare units for Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The announcements reflected an intention to extend public service initiatives beyond Punjab and demonstrated the party’s emphasis on development and social welfare. One of the most widely discussed moments of the gathering came when she draped the AJK flag over her shoulders and head, a symbolic gesture that many participants interpreted as an expression of solidarity and respect for the people of Kashmir.
The rally also showcased the organisational strength of PML-N in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Party leaders, including AJK President Shah Ghulam Qadir, former Prime Minister Raja Muhammad Farooq Haider Khan and local representatives, were credited with mobilising large public participation despite unfavourable weather. Yet the most significant aspect of the event remained the turnout itself, as thousands of people attended despite heavy rain, signalling continued political engagement and high public expectations ahead of the next elections. As Azad Jammu and Kashmir moves towards another electoral contest, voters will once again decide the region’s political direction. Addressing these issues will require more than campaign slogans; it will demand effective governance, long-term planning and sustained implementation of development policies. For PML-N, the Muzaffarabad gathering has generated renewed political momentum and reinforced its traditional message of economic development, infrastructure expansion and public welfare. Whether that vision resonates with the electorate will ultimately be determined through the democratic process. From Mirpur to Muzaffarabad, from Poonch to Kashmiri communities across Pakistan, voters will decide the future course of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The coming elections will shape not only political representation but also the region’s prospects for development, stability and prosperity.
—The writer is a Supreme Court lawyer and former member & Chairman Standing Committee of Azad Jammu and Kashmir Council. Islamabad
