Nawaz Sharif Eyes PoK Prime Minister Post
Former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif has said he would ask his brother, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, to make him the head of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir if the PML-N wins the upcoming regional elections according to reports from NDTV.
Nawaz Sharif Eyes PoK Premiership
Sharif made the remark during an election rally in Muzaffarabad while launching the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz campaign. The former premier appeared to deliver the statement partly in jest while outlining his plans for the region.
He said he wanted to personally oversee development projects and address infrastructure problems. Sharif also promised to visit Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot and other cities every three months if he did not assume the regional post.
However, Pakistan’s prime minister cannot directly appoint the head of the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir administration. The regional premier is elected by members of its legislative assembly under the existing constitutional framework.
PML-N Promises PoK Development Push
Sharif pledged to increase the region’s budget substantially if the PML-N formed the next government. He questioned why Muzaffarabad lacked modern road connectivity and proposed constructing a motorway along the Jhelum River.
The former premier also announced plans to provide green buses and mobile hospitals. He said development and public welfare initiatives implemented in Pakistan’s Punjab province should be replicated across the region.
Bilawal Bhutto Targets Nawaz Sharif
Pakistan Peoples Party chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari criticised Sharif’s comments, alleging that the PML-N wanted to amend the regional constitutional framework to facilitate his appointment.
The PPP and PML-N are coalition partners in Pakistan’s federal government but are competing against each other in the regional elections. Polling is scheduled to take place in phases amid heightened political tensions and continuing public discontent over governance, subsidies and basic services.
