Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif has urged the federal government to release National Finance Commission (NFC) Award allocations for Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) and Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK) without waiting for a formal request from the regions. He said both areas deserve their rightful financial share and the Centre should take proactive steps.
Addressing party representatives from G-B and AJK in Lahore, Nawaz stressed that party tickets for the January 24 elections must be awarded purely on merit. He warned that internal conflicts and favouritism had cost the party seats in the past, adding that such behaviour would no longer be tolerated.
Nawaz said the current political atmosphere was favourable for the party, but reminded leaders to differentiate between genuine party loyalists and those seeking short-term benefits. He emphasised that strong discipline and fair decision-making were necessary for success.
Highlighting development efforts, Nawaz shared that over Rs53 billion had already been spent on upgrading the Gilgit–Skardu Highway an amount he said exceeds what the regions could have received through NFC allocations. He added that even though G-B and AJK must receive their due funds, both areas need stronger institutions to manage large financial packages effectively.
Nawaz directed Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal to brief Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the party’s stance and said he would raise the issue personally as well. He proposed fixing annual funding amounts for both regions, with clear distinctions for G-B and AJK.
He also instructed party leaders to start accepting applications for election tickets. Nawaz said he plans to visit Muzaffarabad, Gilgit or Skardu to meet potential candidates and help the party make informed political decisions.
