MUZAFFARABAD: Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Prime Minister Raja Faisal Mumtaz Rathore on Tuesday formally inaugurated the Pakistan Peoples Party’s (PPP) Women’s Wing membership campaign, describing the empowerment of women as the “need of the hour” and a vital step toward grassroots political organisation.

The campaign launch took place at the Central Press Club, where the prime minister filled out a membership form alongside Shaheen Kousar Dar,former deputy speaker andregional president of the PPP Women’s Wing; Senator Rubina Khalid, chairperson of the Benazir Income Support Programme; and Safina Chaudhry, the spouse of acting AJK President Chaudhry Latif Akbar.

Addressing the gathering, PM Rathore characterized the PPP as “a party of martyrs and veterans” whose leadership had consistently prioritised national interests over political or personal gains.

“The PPP has historically accorded women an unprecedented role in the political sphere, exemplified by the leadership of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, the first woman prime minister of the Muslim world,” he said.

Recalling the tumultuous period after the assassination of Ms Benazir Bhutto, he credited PPP Co-Chairman and President Asif Ali Zardarifor navigating the country through the crisis with the “Pakistan Khappay” slogan.

Drawing a parallel, he maintained that his own government had successfully restored order in the liberated territory during a period of unrest, reviving political stability and public confidence through democratic means.

The prime minister further contended that his government assumed office during a period of stifled political expression, but had since fostered an environment where party workers and the public could engage freely. Highlighting the administration’s outreach, he noted that the warm public reception received from Bhimber to Taobutt was a testament to the revival of the political system.

Detailing the government’s performance, he said it had made the Prime Minister’s Office accessible to the general public, addressed overseas Kashmiris’ concerns through a dedicated portal, and addressed the demands of the Jammu and Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee.

He also referred to ongoing efforts to promote agriculture and improve civic services, including a solid waste management project in Muzaffarabad.

The prime minister dismissed any ambiguity regarding the electoral cycle, asserting that elections in AJK would be held on schedule.

He expressed confidence that the PPP would return to power based on its performance, adding that the party’s growing strength had left its political opponents “nervous.

He urged party’s female cadres to take the PPP’s message “door to door” to mobilise women across the territory.

In her address, Senator Rubina Khalidexhorted party workers to remain steadfast in the ideology of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto.

“You are fortunate to have an energetic prime minister in Faisal Rathore. You must contribute equally to his success to ensure the party’s victory in the upcoming polls,” she said.

Earlier, Ms Dar dedicated the function to the women of Indian-held Kashmir and condemned the flagrant human rights violations in the occupied territory.

She noted that the membership drive was being executed under the directives of Faryal Talpurand voiced confidence in the party’s electoral prospects.

Other speakers, including Ms Safina Chaudhry, Shagufta Noreen Kazmi, Memoona Habib Jaral, Fauzia Gillani, Zobia Khurshid Raja, and Rukhsana Shafqat, highlighted the role of women in national development and praised the government’s efforts to restore stability.

Published in Dawn, April 22nd, 2026