PML-N presents development-focused vision for Azad Kashmir

The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has presented a development-oriented vision for Azad Jammu and Kashmir, pledging to replicate

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has presented a development-oriented vision for Azad Jammu and Kashmir, pledging to replicate what it describes as the “construction and development” model being pursued by the federal and Punjab governments.

Barrister Ikhtar Gilani, the party’s nominated candidate for the office of Prime Minister of Azad Kashmir, said PML-N governments have consistently focused on development while safeguarding the rights and interests of citizens.

Speaking to the media, Gilani said the party intended to bring the development approach associated with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the federal level and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif to Azad Kashmir.

“Wherever the PML-N government has been established, it has advanced the journey of construction and development alongside the protection of public rights,” he said.

Gilani said the same vision would be adapted to the requirements and circumstances of Azad Kashmir. The proposed approach is expected to place greater emphasis on infrastructure development, public services, governance reforms and economic opportunities for the people of the region.

Although the party has yet to release a detailed policy document, the proposed vision broadly revolves around three key areas: infrastructure, protection of public rights and economic growth.

Under the infrastructure agenda, the party aims to focus on improving roads and bridges and strengthening connectivity between different parts of AJK. Greater attention is also expected to be given to health and education facilities across the region.

The second pillar focuses on public rights and governance. The PML-N intends to promote transparent administrative practices, improve access to government services and establish mechanisms through which citizens can more effectively raise complaints and seek assistance.

Economic development forms the third major component of the proposed plan. The party is expected to promote investment, expand tourism opportunities and create employment avenues for young people. The strategy would also seek to align AJK’s economic development with broader federal policies while taking into account the region’s specific needs.

PML-N leaders have pointed to development initiatives undertaken in Punjab as examples of the party’s approach to governance. These include road rehabilitation, healthcare initiatives, educational programmes, public service facilities and youth-focused economic schemes.

The party now plans to adapt similar priorities for Azad Kashmir rather than simply replicate Punjab projects. The proposed AJK model would focus on improving district-level infrastructure, upgrading hospitals and educational institutions, expanding technical and digital learning opportunities and encouraging tourism-related investment.

The announcement comes at a time when political activity is intensifying in Azad Kashmir ahead of government formation. By placing construction and development at the centre of its political narrative, PML-N is seeking to present itself as a party capable of delivering visible improvements in public services and infrastructure.

Gilani’s nomination as the party’s candidate for prime minister also highlights PML-N’s emphasis on administrative experience and governance as it prepares to pursue its proposed agenda in AJK.

The party maintains that its objective is to combine development with the protection of public rights and to introduce a governance model capable of addressing the region’s infrastructure, social and economic challenges.