Pakistan's Nawaz Sharif Says He Wants to Become Prime Minister of PoK if PML-N Wins Elections

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has stirred political discussion after expressing his desire to become the Prime Minister of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), provided his party secures victory in the upcoming regional elections. Addressing a Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) election rally in Muzaffarabad, Sharif said that if the party forms the government, he would request his younger brother and current Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to appoint him as the head of the PoK government. The remark drew applause from party supporters and has since become a major topic of political debate in Pakistan.

During his speech, Nawaz Sharif described Pakistan-occupied Kashmir as his second home and said his family traces its roots to Kashmir. He claimed that leading the region would allow him to personally oversee its development and ensure that promises made by his party are fulfilled. The statement comes as political campaigning intensifies ahead of elections in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. PML-N has been attempting to strengthen its support base in the region, with Nawaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz jointly addressing election rallies to mobilize voters.

Political analysts have questioned whether such a move is legally feasible. According to experts cited by Pakistani media, the office of the Prime Minister of Pakistan-administered Kashmir can only be held by an elected member of the regions legislative assembly. Since Nawaz Sharif is neither a registered voter nor a candidate in the current election, his path to the position would face significant legal and constitutional hurdles unless those requirements are met.

Despite the legal questions, Sharifs comments have added a new dimension to the election campaign and are likely to remain a focal point of political discussion in the coming days. Supporters view the statement as a sign of his commitment to the region, while critics argue that it was primarily aimed at energizing the partys campaign ahead of polling.

Nawaz Sharif, who has served as Pakistans Prime Minister three times, continues to play a central role in the countrys politics despite no longer holding public office. His latest remarks underscore the importance his party places on the upcoming elections in Pakistan-administered Kashmir and are expected to keep the spotlight on the regions evolving political landscape.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from NDTV.