Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal has said that the people of Kashmir want development similar to Lahore and will not allow the region to become like Karachi.
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Addressing a workers’ convention in Narowal, Ahsan Iqbal highlighted the performance of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government and said voters understand which political parties have delivered better governance.
While responding to Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s criticism of the PML-N ahead of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir elections, Ahsan Iqbal said that people of Kashmir are aware of the performance and track record of different political parties.
“People know during whose governments corruption flourished,” he said, adding that the PML-N’s development agenda has gained popularity across Pakistan.
Ahsan Iqbal claimed that a majority of Pakistanis would support the model of development associated with Lahore, describing PML-N as a symbol of national progress and stability.
His remarks came a day after Bilawal Bhutto Zardari challenged the PML-N, saying the party would face a historic defeat in the upcoming Azad Jammu and Kashmir elections.
Addressing a public gathering in Kotli, Bilawal said the Pakistan Peoples Party would form the next government in Azad Kashmir if given public support. He said the future of Kashmir was not controlled by any individual or party but would be decided by the people of the region.
Bilawal also said his party wanted victory in every constituency of Kotli to strengthen its position in forming the government and promised to raise Kashmir’s voice at every forum.
The exchange between the two leaders reflects the intensifying political competition ahead of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir elections, with both major parties highlighting development, governance and public welfare as key campaign issues.
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Political parties have increased their outreach activities in the region as they seek public support by presenting their respective records and future plans.