CM Maryam promises electric buses, Mirpur Airport, uplift projects for AJK

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Friday pledged a series of uplift and welfare initiatives for Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), including electric buses for Mirpur, infrastructure projects and expanded public services if the PML-N returns to power in the valley. 

Addressing a public rally in Mirpur, Punjab chief minister announced that she had brought 10 electric buses for the city and said the welfare programmes introduced in Punjab would also be extended to AJK. 

She reiterated that PML-N President Nawaz Sharif’s commitment to establish an international airport in Mirpur, expressing confidence that the promise would be fulfilled. She said the large public gatherings in Mirpur and Muzaffarabad reflected strong support for the party ahead of the upcoming elections.

Describing herself as “a daughter of Kashmir,” CM Maryam said her family belonged to the region and pledged to work for its development. She said Mirpur, despite its economic importance and impressive residential infrastructure, required better roads and modern civic facilities. 

The chief minister highlighted Kashmir’s tourism potential, saying the sector could generate revenue to strengthen education, healthcare and other public services.

She said programmes such as the Kisan Card, Rashan Card, Safe City and Suthra Punjab initiatives would be introduced across Azad Jammu and Kashmir, including Mirpur and Muzaffarabad, to improve public welfare and municipal services.

Referring to Nawaz Sharif’s tenure, Maryam Nawaz credited him with making Pakistan a nuclear power, reducing electricity shortages and executing major infrastructure projects, including road networks linking Murree, Kohala and Azad Kashmir. She maintained that many of the region’s major development projects had been completed under PML-N governments.