Islamabad: Minister for Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit Baltistan, and SAFRON, Engineer Amir Muqam, emphasized that resolving the issues faced by the people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) remains a top priority for the Federal Government. Muqam made this announcement during a news conference in Islamabad, alongside Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Tariq Fazal Chaudhry. The conference followed a meeting of the Monitoring and Implementation Committee, which was convened to review the progress on a pact signed with the Jammu and Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee.
According to Radio Pakistan, Amir Muqam highlighted that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is deeply invested in the development of AJK. The Prime Minister has been actively seeking progress and implementation reports and has personally visited Muzaffarabad to oversee development initiatives and address local issues. The Minister further stated that programs such as Daanish Schools, laptop schemes, and Sehat Cards have been expanded to include AJK, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Islamabad.
Muqam revealed that the Awami Action Committee presented a total of thirty-seven demands, of which seventeen have been fully addressed and implemented. The remaining demands are being prioritized for completion. A significant demand fulfilled was the limitation of the cabinet to twenty members, which has now been enacted.
Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, noted that the Monitoring and Implementation Committee, established by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, is actively monitoring the progress of the agreement with the Jammu and Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee. He confirmed that most of the agreed points have been implemented, with work ongoing for the rest.
Chaudhry also mentioned that the Federal Government is channeling funds and utilizing resources to tackle key issues in AJK, focusing on health, infrastructure, development, and power sector challenges. Specifically, ten billion rupees have been allocated to enhance electricity infrastructure, including replacing damaged transformers and strengthening the power system.
He detailed the progress of development projects such as roads, bridges, tunnels, and the Mirpur Airport, though some matters are pending due to legal proceedings. Chaudhry called on the Joint Awami Action Committee to adopt a constructive approach and return to the consultation process for the greater benefit of the residents.