Nawaz Sharif announces key facilities ahead of AJK elections, green buses included

MUZAFFARABAD: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President and former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Tuesday vowed to accelerate development in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), saying the region holds a place “second only to his home” in his heart.

Addressing a large gathering in Muzaffarabad, Nawaz Sharif said he would visit AJK four times a year to personally monitor the progress of development projects initiated for the people of the region.

He announced that 10 fully air-conditioned green buses would be provided to the people of Kashmir within the next few days, while 15 mobile hospitals would also be deployed before the upcoming elections. Polling in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) will be held in three phases. The first phase, covering only the Mirpur Division, is scheduled for July 27. Elections for the Muzaffarabad Division and refugee seats will be held in the second phase on August 2, while the third and final phase in the Poonch Division will take place on August 10, marking the completion of the electoral process across AJK.

“Whether I win or lose the elections, it is my dream to bring development in AJK and turn it into a region comparable with the top cities of Pakistan,” Nawaz Sharif said.

The PML-N president said his vision was to transform AJK through improved infrastructure and public services, adding that the government would significantly increase the region’s development budget.

He reiterated his commitment to working for the welfare of Kashmiris and ensuring that the benefits of development reach every part of the region.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz also announced a series of welfare initiatives for the youth and residents of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), including scholarships, free education and housing support.

Addressing a gathering in Muzaffarabad, Maryam Nawaz said that 2,000 scholarships would be awarded to talented students from Kashmir under the “Honhar Scholarship Programme” to support their higher education.

She announced that free education would be ensured for all children in the region. She said she would request Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to include AJK in the government’s “Apni Chhat Apna Ghar” housing initiative, which aims to construct up to 100,000 houses.

The Punjab chief minister further said the government would distribute 5,000 laptops and tablets among deserving and academically outstanding students in Kashmir to help them pursue their educational goals.

Maryam Nawaz reiterated that empowering youth through education and providing basic facilities remained among the government’s key priorities.