Mirpur: Azad Jammu and Kashmir Minister for Public Works and Communications, Chaudhry Azhar Sadiq, has said that Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwar-ul-Haq is a man of integrity who has truly aligned governance and state resources with the service of the people. He said the Prime Minister’s vision has transformed governance in AJK into a people-centric model.
Speaking as chief guest at the inauguration ceremony of the first Basic Health Unit (BHU) in Union Council Onah, the minister said that under the Prime Minister’s Rs 1 billion health package, 40 new positions have been created in the health sector of Tehsil Dadyal, and all appointments have been made purely on merit. The newly established Onah Basic Health Centre is now fully functional, equipped with a female doctor, trained staff, and essential medicines, providing modern medical services at the doorstep of local residents. He also announced plans to establish a technical college in Union Council Onah soon.
Chaudhry Azhar Sadiq added that all specialist doctors and medical staff at Tehsil Headquarters Hospital Dadyal are working round the clock to provide healthcare services. He thanked the people of Dadyal for their overwhelming support in the last election and said he has been dedicated to the area’s development and public welfare over the past four and a half years. He urged voters to use their right to vote wisely in the next election, keeping performance in view.
The event was hosted by political and social leader Chaudhry Ansar Iqbal and attended by District Health Officer Dr. Fida Hussain Raja, Chairman Municipal Committee Chaudhry Haji Masood Bhalot, Vice Chairman District Council Adnan Shaukat, former Administrator Chaudhry Aftab Ahmed, Chairman Onah Haji Raja Rashid, Assistant Commissioner Aftab Ahmed Khan, Additional DHO Dr. Nadeem Fazal Dad, MS THQ Hospital Dr. Maida Kausar, Assistant DHO Dr. Shumaila Kiran, Medical Officer Dr. Sania, Khalid Mir, officers of the local administration and police, chairmen, councillors, and members of civil society. The minister was warmly welcomed upon his arrival at the BHU premises.
In his speech, Minister Azhar Sadiq expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister, Minister for Health Dr. Nisar Ansar Abdali, and Minister for Mangla Dam Affairs Chaudhry Qasim Majid for their cooperation, which enabled the health center to become operational. He said the area previously lacked even basic health facilities, but now, by the grace of Allah, a doctor, staff, and medicines are available. He announced the formation of a health committee comprising local residents to ensure the efficient functioning of the centre and prompt redressal of complaints.
The minister strictly instructed the staff to ensure that government-provided medicines are used only for patients and not sold elsewhere, warning of strict accountability in case of violations. He said the posting of a female medical officer at the centre would provide great convenience for women’s healthcare.
Chaudhry Azhar Sadiq also thanked Minister for Mangla Dam Affairs Chaudhry Qasim Majid for vacating the building for the BHU through the MD of the Mangla Dam Housing Authority.
He reiterated his complete support for Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwar-ul-Haq, calling him a noble leader who has allocated billions of rupees for the welfare and uplift of the people of Azad Kashmir. He said, “If only one person remains with the Prime Minister, it will be me, as I am not driven by power or privilege but by the commitment to public service.”
He said that Prime Minister Anwar-ul-Haq has played a vital role in the development of Dadyal and will continue to lead AJK effectively. Addressing the issues of Mangla Dam affectees, he assured that in the upcoming Mangla Dam Board meeting, decisions have been made to resolve pending issues related to water and incomplete buildings, and tenders for these works will be issued during this tenure. He also pledged to ensure the completion of remaining works in WAPDA-related towns.