Azma Bokhari
The people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir have once again demonstrated their confidence in the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), reaffirming that public trust is earned through performance, public service and a commitment to development rather than political rhetoric.
Democracy is built on respecting differences of opinion and accepting the people’s mandate. The true spirit of democracy lies in acknowledging the verdict of the electorate, even when it does not favour one’s own political interests. Attempting to impose personal opinions on the public or refusing to recognise the people’s decision runs contrary to democratic principles. Political parties earn public support through their performance, and voters naturally place their confidence in those who address their problems and work sincerely for the country’s progress.
The development projects and welfare initiatives undertaken by the PML-N leadership across Pakistan and Azad Kashmir stand as testimony to the party’s commitment to public service. PML-N has consistently respected the people’s mandate and, whenever entrusted with power, has sought to deliver on its promises. Pakistan’s history reflects that many of the country’s landmark infrastructure and development projects were completed under PML-N governments. Unlike many of its political opponents, the party has traditionally sought votes on the basis of its performance rather than by launching personal attacks against rivals.
Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has always pursued a politics of national unity instead of division. His leadership continues to enjoy the confidence of the people of Azad Kashmir, and the recent election results in Mirpur Division once again reflect that trust.
The first phase of the Azad Kashmir elections produced a decisive outcome, with the PML-N securing nine of the 13 seats in Mirpur Division by convincing margins. This victory is a clear endorsement of Nawaz Sharif’s leadership and the party’s performance. The successful PML-N candidates deserve congratulations for earning the confidence of the Kashmiri electorate. Questioning the party’s mandate after such a verdict amounts to questioning the democratic choice of the people of Azad Kashmir themselves.
Rather than expressing frustration over the election outcome, political parties should respect the public’s decision. Those who claim to champion democracy must also demonstrate the democratic spirit of accepting electoral results. Democracy demands tolerance, respect for opposing views and acceptance of the people’s verdict.
Recent remarks made by PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari regarding Nawaz Sharif crossed political boundaries. His subsequent withdrawal from his own statement about the distinction between state interests and party interests only raised further questions. Political leaders should stand by their words and demonstrate consistency in their public positions.
The Pakistan Peoples Party also needs to answer legitimate questions about its governance record in Sindh. After nearly two decades in power, Karachi continues to struggle with deteriorating roads, inadequate supplies of clean drinking water and persistent waste management problems. These are issues that directly affect millions of citizens and deserve serious attention.
By contrast, the Punjab government under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has launched a series of development and public welfare initiatives. These include the introduction of 1,500 electric buses, the distribution of 30,000 Green Tractors to farmers, 27,000 electric bikes for students, 100,000 laptops, 80,000 scholarships and 200,000 houses under the Apni Chhat Apna Ghar programme. In addition, 30,000 kilometres of roads have been constructed across Punjab, while major transport projects elsewhere continue to face delays.
CM Maryam Nawaz’s governance initiatives have earned recognition across Pakistan. Electric buses have also been provided to Azad Kashmir, while students in Azad Kashmir, Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have previously benefited from laptop and scholarship programmes. Public service should never be confined by provincial boundaries, and development should remain the shared objective of every government.
Punjab has also introduced an air ambulance service and undertaken extensive reforms in the healthcare sector. Government hospitals across the province have been revamped, with medicines and diagnostic tests now being provided free of charge. The Nawaz Sharif Cancer Hospital in Lahore was completed within a year, the Cardiology Hospital in Sargodha has been completed, and the Clinic on Wheels and Maryam Nawaz Health Centres are delivering healthcare services across Punjab.
If Sindh’s healthcare system is as efficient as its leadership claims, it is fair to ask why senior provincial ministers continue to seek medical treatment abroad. Unfortunately, whenever questions are raised about the PPP’s 18-year governance record, the response often shifts from accountability to personal attacks.
The PPP remains an ally of the PML-N in the federal coalition, and both parties have the right to pursue their respective political agendas. However, political competition should be based on governance and performance rather than on hostility towards development in other provinces. The PML-N’s guiding principle remains the progress of Pakistan and the welfare of its people. It is this commitment to performance and public service that continues to earn the confidence of voters, including those in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
Author is a prominent Pakistani politician and practicing lawyer currently serving as the Provincial Minister for Information and Culture in Punjab. She assumed office on March 7, 2024, as a key member of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s cabinet
