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Nawaz Sharif Urges NFC Funding for AJK & GB, Invites PML-N Ticket Applications
Nawaz Sharif has urged PM Shehbaz to allocate funds to AJK and GB under the NFC Award, saying both regions must receive—and learn to utilise—annual funding like other provinces. He also called for PML-N election applications by Dec 31.
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by Muhammad Hashir
2025-12-12
Nawaz Sharif Urges NFC Funding for AJK & GB, Invites PML-N Ticket Applications

PML-N President and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif on Friday emphasised that Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) should receive their funding through the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award — a proposal historically resisted by smaller provinces.

Speaking to party leaders in Lahore, Nawaz said he would request Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to ensure that both regions are given a dedicated share from the NFC, similar to Pakistan’s four provinces.

“Funds should be given to Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan under the NFC Award. A certain amount every year must be given to both provinces. This is very important,” the PML-N supremo said.
He stressed that both regions must also develop the capacity to effectively utilise the funds, recalling how past allocations were not properly spent. “They need to know how to spend that money. The way I want such funds utilised did not happen.”

Nawaz also directed PML-N leaders to submit applications for party tickets in both regions by December 31, warning against internal rifts.
“We will not tolerate infighting. Anyone involved in this will be excluded,” he said, adding that he plans to personally visit AJK and GB to meet candidates before awarding tickets on merit.

Praise for Maryam Nawaz’s Performance

Nawaz took the opportunity to commend Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for her governance initiatives, including cancer hospitals, model villages and the metro bus system.
He said her performance reflects the vision the party wants to replicate across other regions.

Context: NFC Discussions and Regional Instability

The remarks come shortly after the federal government proposed mobilising additional revenue—equivalent to over 5% of GDP—during an NFC meeting held last week. Officials dismissed speculation that provincial shares in the divisible pool would be reduced, noting that such matters fall under the CCI and NEC.

The fiscal requirements of AJK and GB are expected to be examined by a specialised working group.

Meanwhile, AJK has witnessed political turbulence in recent months.
Between September and November, the region saw widespread protests led by the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC), demanding implementation of its charter, including the abolition of 12 refugee seats. Violence erupted after a communications blackout was imposed, resulting in at least 10 deaths.

Two rounds of negotiations with the federal government eventually produced an agreement, outlining additional funding, reduction of cabinet size and a probe into protest-related deaths.

Political instability continued when then-prime minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq was ousted through a no-confidence vote on November 17, and PPP leader Faisal Rathore assumed office the following day.

Nawaz’s renewed focus on AJK and GB — both politically sensitive and economically constrained regions — indicates the party’s intent to consolidate influence ahead of upcoming elections and address long-standing fiscal disparities.
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