LAHORE (Web Desk) – Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has urged Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari to focus on addressing governance challenges in Sindh rather than criticizing other provinces, following the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz’s (PML-N) performance in the first phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly elections.
Speaking after the conclusion of the first phase of polling, the Punjab chief minister congratulated PML-N workers and supporters on the party’s electoral performance. She said the results reflected the confidence of AJK voters in the leadership of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif and the party’s political agenda.
Maryam Nawaz stated that the people of Azad Kashmir had once again demonstrated their trust in PML-N, adding that voters supported leaders who fulfilled their commitments and remained connected with public issues.
Commenting on Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s criticism during the election campaign, she rejected allegations regarding the electoral process and said election outcomes were determined by the people through their votes.
She maintained that political parties should respect the public mandate and accept election results instead of questioning them after the completion of polling.
The Punjab chief minister said political rhetoric alone could no longer influence voters, arguing that citizens now evaluate parties based on governance, development and delivery of public services.
Maryam Nawaz also criticized the PPP’s governance record, saying the party had failed to present a convincing performance or development plan to voters.
She argued that the PPP leadership should prioritize resolving administrative and infrastructure issues in Sindh instead of commenting on the affairs of other provinces.
Referring to Sindh’s long period under PPP rule, she said the province still faced challenges in areas such as road infrastructure, sanitation, public services and law and order.
According to Maryam Nawaz, greater attention should be given to improving civic facilities and addressing the everyday concerns of residents.
She further claimed that many people visiting Punjab from Sindh appreciated development initiatives undertaken in Punjab and hoped for similar improvements in their own province.
The chief minister said Sindh possessed significant economic and social potential, adding that focused governance and effective planning could help accelerate its development.
She encouraged Bilawal Bhutto Zardari to concentrate on strengthening public services and infrastructure rather than engaging in political criticism.
During her remarks, Maryam Nawaz also said the PPP had been part of the government in Azad Kashmir and questioned its performance there, claiming the party had not delivered the level of development expected by the public.
She maintained that voters had become increasingly aware of governance issues and now expected practical solutions instead of political slogans.
Political observers believe the exchange reflects continuing political competition between Pakistan’s major parties ahead of future electoral contests.
The first phase of the AJK elections has intensified political debate, with leaders from both the ruling coalition and opposition presenting differing assessments of the results and campaign issues.
Analysts note that governance, economic conditions and public service delivery remain central themes in political discourse across the country.
With additional phases of the AJK elections still to be completed, political parties are expected to continue campaigning while highlighting their respective development records and policy priorities.
The latest remarks by Maryam Nawaz are likely to draw responses from PPP leaders as political debate continues over governance, electoral performance and future development agendas in both Punjab and Sindh.
