BY: FT Correspondent:
QUETTA—Pakistan Muslim League (N) Balochistan Information Secretary Chaudhry Shabbir Balochistani has said that the Pakistan Muslim League (N)’s victory in the Azad Jammu and Kashmir elections is a clear reflection of the people’s unwavering confidence in the leadership and vision of Quaid Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif.
In a statement issued on Saturday, he said the electoral success was the result of the party’s commitment to public service, transparent governance, and its development-oriented policies, particularly the model of governance established in Punjab. He described the victory as a conscious and democratic choice made by the people rather than a coincidence.
Expressing optimism for the next phase of polling scheduled for August 2, Chaudhry Shabbir Balochistani said the people of Azad Kashmir would once again demonstrate their confidence in the PML-N by voting for the party’s election symbol, the Lion. He added that voters had chosen the politics of development, stability, and public welfare over what he termed the politics of allegations, negativity, and confrontation.
Responding to criticism from the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), the PML-N leader urged the party to avoid making unfounded allegations of electoral rigging and instead accept the public mandate with political maturity and democratic spirit.
“It is neither democratic nor responsible to attribute every electoral defeat to conspiracy. Bilawal Bhutto should respect the people’s mandate, as the public verdict is the ultimate foundation of democracy,” he said.
He further maintained that if the PPP government in Azad Kashmir had delivered effective governance, achieved tangible progress, and earned public confidence during its tenure, the election results could have been different. However, he claimed that voters rejected the PPP due to its governance record in Azad Kashmir and what he described as its poor administrative performance in Sindh.
Chaudhry Shabbir Balochistani said that once the Pakistan Muslim League (N) forms the government in Azad Kashmir, it will launch a new phase of development inspired by the Punjab model. He said the party would focus on creating employment opportunities for young people, promoting merit, transparency, and the rule of law, while ensuring that public welfare remains at the heart of governance.
He concluded by reaffirming that the vision of Quaid Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif continues to guide the Pakistan Muslim League (N)’s commitment to serving the people and delivering sustainable development across the country.
I appreciate Chaudhary Shabbir Sahib’s efforts in keeping PML-N active and politically relevant in Balochistan. However, I also believe it is time for the party’s leader, Mian Nawaz Sharif, to break his silence. As a senior statesman, the public expects him to clearly articulate the party’s position on the country’s issues.
While the party celebrates its victory in the Kashmir elections, it should also address the concerns that have emerged following the JAC protests and the controversy surrounding the electoral process. Likewise, PML-N should clarify its stance on the recent statements attributed to Mohsin Naqvi regarding the possible division of provinces into smaller administrative units, an issue that has understandably generated significant public debate.
Most importantly, the party must explain its position on the deteriorating situation in Balochistan. Many people feel that when PML-N was in opposition, it was far more vocal on such issues. Now that it is in government, the public expects the same level of concern, accountability, and engagement. Leadership is measured not only by electoral victories but also by the willingness to confront difficult challenges with transparency and responsibility.