As the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections are just a few days away, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) on Sunday announced its election manifesto for the polls. According to the document, the PML-N has pledged to rid the state from military democracy, empower the people and establish an exemplary democracy by providing the people their due rights including justice, development and prosperity. It also pledged accountability for all including the president, prime minister, members of the legislative assembly and civil servants. The party has also committed to restore the right of rule by the people, end to corruption and plunder by establishment of good governance.
The party would speed up efforts to give momentum to the Kashmiri Freedom Movement and complete commitment of Takmeel-e-Pakistan. It pledged to draw up a judicial policy, establish a judicial commission and bring changes in the subordinate courts so as to provide justice to the people at their doorstep.
Rs 55 billion given by international institutions and personalities for rehabilitation of earthquake affectees in AJK and spent on the Benazir Income Support Programme and other heads would be transferred back and spent on rehabilitation activities in the state. The party manifesto gave the message of “Power to the people and promotion of fraternity among the masses”.
Overseas Kashmiris would be given exemption from taxes for investment in and 50 percent concession in all utility bills. The AJK Council’s power would be exercised through the AJK Legislative Assembly to restore the right of rule to people of the state.
The party would ensure representation of AJK in the National Finance Commission, National Economic Council, Council of Common Interest, IRSA and other national institutions. AJK would be provided its due share in income of water and electricity and the resources will be spent on welfare of the people. As AJK is a Barani area, development funds of the state would be doubled so that people could be compensated for their losses in case of calamities.