Pakistan’s ‘power’ game on PoK failed? Now what message does Pakistan want to give through Nawaz Sharif card?

Islamabad has been showing diplomatic activism at bilateral and international level for a long time regarding Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK). But amid the economic crisis, domestic political strife and growing discontent within PoK, new challenges have arisen before Pakistan. At such a time, former Prime Minister of Pakistan Nawaz Sharif’s entry into PoK politics is giving many indications.

Nawaz Sharif Associating himself with the development of the region during an election rally in PoK capital Muzaffarabad, he said that if his party Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) wins, he will urge Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to make him the Prime Minister of PoK. So that he can personally monitor the development works of the area.

Now the question is whether there is only election strategy behind this move of Nawaz Sharif or does Pakistan want to give some big political message?

What message does Nawaz want to give by being active?

Nawaz Sharif’s focus on PoK has come at a time when resentment against the Pakistan administration is increasing in the region. Local organizations have protested against rising electricity rates, inflation and facilities provided to influential people. People have also started demanding independence. Many people are being killed every day.

Despite this, Nawaz Sharif tried to show emotional connection with PoK. He said that the region was as important to him as Punjab and described it as his “second home”. He also said that his ancestors came from Kashmir.

According to political experts of Pakistan and PoK, through this statement, Nawaz Sharif is trying to build trust among the local people and strengthen the hold of PML-N.

Why the desire to become PM of PoK?

Nawaz Sharif’s statement of becoming the Prime Minister of PoK is being considered a big signal in the politics of Pakistan. He said that if his party wins the elections, he will urge Shehbaz Sharif to make him the Prime Minister of PoK. He claims that with this he will be able to directly monitor the development work of the area. However, from a political point of view, this step could also be an attempt to gain electoral advantage for PML-N.

Actually, elections are to be held in PoK between July 27 and August 10 and here PML-N is competing with Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), which is its ally in the central government.

What is the hidden agenda behind POK card?

Many political goals are being seen behind this step of Nawaz Sharif. The first goal could be to strengthen the political hold of PML-N and the Sharif family.

After a long power struggle, Nawaz Sharif remains one of the most influential leaders of the party. By becoming active on a sensitive issue like PoK, he can try to unite the party workers and supporters.

The second objective may be related to Pakistan’s international image. Nawaz Sharif is presented as a leader who advocated dialogue and economic relations with neighboring countries, including India. When Modi became PM for the first time, he attended his swearing-in ceremony.

What is the connection with India-Pakistan relations??

Nawaz Sharif’s name is important in India-Pakistan relations because during his tenure, efforts for dialogue were made between the two countries and tension also increased.

During the visit of the then Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee to Lahore in 1999, both the countries took the initiative to improve relations, but after this the Kargil conflict caused serious damage to the relations.

Even later, Nawaz Sharif many times talked about increasing trade and dialogue with India, but Kashmir issue and security related disputes remained between the two countries. Therefore, any of his statements regarding PoK are seen from a diplomatic perspective in India.

Does Pakistan want to give a new message for talks?

Statements regarding economic cooperation and regional relations have been coming out in Nawaz Sharif’s politics. In such a situation, Pakistan can use him as an experienced and pro-talk face.

However, it would be premature to call this Pakistan’s new India policy. Pakistan’s foreign and security policy is not decided by the statements of just one leader. The role of government, army and security establishments is also important in this.

At present, the policy of Modi government regarding Pakistan is clear that for talks, concrete steps are necessary on issues like terrorism and border security.

How important is this strategy amid protests?

In PoK, Jammu and Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC) has launched a movement against inflation, electricity rates and special facilities. The organization had given time to the government to fulfill its demands.

Amidst this dissatisfaction, Nawaz Sharif’s emphasis on development and administration becomes politically important. He wants to send the message that PML-N will give priority to the problems of the region. But critics are also calling it just a political strategy.

What does X PM’s statement mean in India’s eyes?

India’s official stance is that the entire region of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh is an integral and inseparable part of India. India says that Pakistan has illegally occupied some parts of these areas.

India does not recognize Pakistan’s political activities and elections in PoK and Gilgit-Baltistan. In such a situation, Nawaz Sharif’s statement regarding PoK is not limited only to the domestic politics of Pakistan, but also gets connected to India-Pakistan relations and regional politics.