PML-N President Nawaz Sharif took a swipe at Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari during a public rally in Mirpur on Friday, telling him not to confuse Kashmir with Kashmore or Mirpur with Mirpur Khas.
Addressing supporters in Mirpur, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), the former prime minister said Kashmir held a special place in his heart and criticised successive governments for neglecting the region after his removal from office. "Bilawal Barkhdar, don't consider Kashmir as Kashmore, or Mirpur as Mirpur Khas," Nawaz said, drawing applause from the crowd.
He added that Bilawal should not take the remarks personally, saying political competition should remain respectful. "There should be competition among political parties, but there should be no bitterness, violence or hatred," he said.
PML-N Quaid questioned what governments that came after his administration had done for Azad Kashmir. "After my government, no government did anything for Azad Kashmir. If they have, tell me what they have accomplished," he said.
He claimed several key development projects initiated during his tenure were left incomplete, including a planned motorway connecting Mansehra, Muzaffarabad and Mirpur. According to Nawaz, the motorway would have transformed the region economically had it been completed.
The PML-N leader pledged that if his party forms the government in Azad Kashmir, it will prioritise education, healthcare and infrastructure. He promised to establish schools, colleges and universities across the region while expanding healthcare facilities.
The former prime minister said his government would revive the motorway project linking Muzaffarabad and Mirpur and construct an expressway from Islamabad to Muzaffarabad, similar to the Murree Expressway. He said these projects would improve connectivity and bring prosperity to the region.