Pakistan: Nawaz Sharif wants to be PM of PoK! Makes unique appeal to brother Shehbaz

Lahore: Nawaz Sharif, former Prime Minister of Pakistan and chief of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), has expressed a new and surprising desire - he wants to become the Prime Minister of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Addressing an election rally in Muzaffarabad, the capital of PoK, Sharif stated that he wishes to assume this role so he can personally oversee the region's development. He claimed that PoK is as important to him as his home province of Punjab, adding, "This is my second home; my ancestors hailed from Kashmir."

Nawaz Sharif, the elder brother of current Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, said, "If my party wins, I will ask Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to appoint me as the Prime Minister of Kashmir (PoK) so that I can personally supervise the development of this area." He clarified that his desire stems not from a lust for office, but from a commitment to the region's progress.

When are elections scheduled in PoK?

Elections in PoK are scheduled to take place between July 27 and August 10. Interestingly, Nawaz Sharif’s PML-N is competing against the Pakistan People's Party (PPP)—its coalition partner at the federal level—in these polls. However, the path ahead does not appear easy for Nawaz Sharif. The region is currently grappling with severe unrest and protests. A massive movement led by the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC)—protesting against inflation, rising electricity tariffs, and special privileges—is underway, and has already claimed more than 30 lives.

What aout Ongoing Protests in PoK?

Last week, the JKJAAC postponed its planned 'Long March' until July 21, giving the Pakistani government "one last chance" to meet its demands. Subsequently, the group—which has been banned by Pakistani authorities—called for a major protest in the region today. The group warned that the 'Long March' towards Muzaffarabad would resume this week, while the ongoing sit-ins in PoK would continue.

What is India's firm stance on PoK?

Meanwhile, India maintains that the entire Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh are integral and inalienable parts of the country. New Delhi also asserts that Pakistan has maintained "illegal and forcible occupation" over parts of these Union Territories. India has repeatedly lodged protests with Pakistan regarding the elections held in PoK and Gilgit-Baltistan and does not recognize the so-called legislative assemblies of these occupied territories.