MUZAFFARABAD: PTI AJK Vice President Syed Zeeshan Haider Kazmi publicly condemned the recently announced health package by the AJK government on Sunday, labeling it a politically-driven scheme aimed more at electoral gain than addressing the healthcare needs of the population.
Kazmi criticized the “health package” as a superficial measure to funnel public funds into political favors, creating new positions to reward allies rather than genuinely improving healthcare. “This so-called health package is a betrayal of AJK’s people. It’s not a healthcare initiative but a tool to secure loyalty and build support ahead of upcoming elections,” he stated.
He further asserted that instead of addressing the actual healthcare demands, the government is selectively upgrading facilities based on political preferences, leaving critical healthcare needs unmet.
Highlighting the benefits of the health insurance card system introduced by former Prime Minister Imran Khan, Kazmi noted how it provided AJK citizens with free, extensive medical coverage for four years before its discontinuation by the PMLN government under Shahbaz Sharif. This program, covering up to Rs1 million in healthcare costs at top private hospitals nationwide, became a lifeline for countless families, he explained.
“Imran Khan’s health insurance card was the ideal healthcare solution for AJK residents, offering broad coverage without political bias. For just Rs4,000 per household per year, the government ensured full medical coverage. It was a genuine public service that served everyone equally,” Kazmi emphasized.
PTI AJK has consistently voiced its discontent with the current administration’s healthcare policies, condemning the new package as a “gross misuse” of resources and an “insult to the people’s intelligence.” Kazmi and other PTI leaders insist that rather than funding politically motivated jobs and selective facility upgrades, resources should be channeled into reinstating the health insurance card system, which offered fair, accessible healthcare for all.
PTI AJK has pledged to challenge the health package on multiple fronts, including a legal challenge to hold the government accountable. Kazmi announced that PTI AJK would also mobilize public support to oppose what he described as “professional dishonesty” from the AJK government.
“We reject this so-called health package outright. The people of AJK deserve universal health coverage, not empty promises and politically motivated schemes. We demand these funds be redirected to reinstate the health insurance card, ensuring comprehensive healthcare for every citizen. PTI AJK will not rest until this unjust package is withdrawn and a fair healthcare solution is reinstated,” Kazmi declared.
