Poonch: Most senior minister of Azad Kashmir government, Colonel (R) Waqar Ahmed Noor, Minister of Education Diwan Ali Khan Chughtai, and Minister of Tourism Sardar Aamir Altaf, along with Chief Secretary Dawood Mohammad Barchi and Inspector General of Police Azad Kashmir Sohail Habib Tajik, conducted a visit to Poonch District. The visit included chairing a meeting of officers at the District Complex in Rawalakot.
Colonel (R) Waqar Ahmed Noor, Minister Sardar Aamir Altaf, and Chief Secretary Dawood Mohammad Bareach, during a press briefing, highlighted the significance of ongoing projects related to water and electricity involving foreign engineers and workers in Azad Kashmir. They underscored the need to ensure the security of non-local engineers and workers engaged in strategic projects to safeguard against potential threats, referencing recent incidents targeting Chinese engineers in Basham. To enhance security measures, steps will be taken to protect foreign workers involved in strategic projects, such as the Neelum-Jhelum Hydropower Project and the Rathoa Haryam Bridge, already underway in Azad Kashmir.
They reassured that utmost efforts will be made to guarantee the security of non-local engineers, with a commitment to maintain stability and peace in the region. The officials cited recent reports from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), indicating Azad Kashmir’s Human Development Index surpassing other provinces and federal territories, showcasing an improved security situation and the public’s continued support for the elected government.
Moreover, they emphasized the government’s dedication to economic relief measures, including subsidies on flour and electricity, aimed at alleviating economic burdens and addressing unemployment. Continuous efforts are being made to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply, even amidst non-payment issues, with initiatives like facilitating installment plans for electricity bills to benefit the public.
The government reiterated its commitment to uphold democratic rights and resolve legitimate issues through comprehensive measures. They expressed readiness to engage in discussions with the Joint Public Action Committee on various matters while already addressing ninety percent of their demands. Prioritizing civic realities, the government pledged to take all possible measures to maintain peace and security, affirming their constitutional responsibility to uphold the law and ensure its enforcement through concrete actions.
The meeting was attended by Secretary Information Azad Kashmir Ansar Yaquob Khan, Commissioner Poonch Division Sardar Waheed Khan, DIG Shehryar Sikander, Deputy Commissioner Poonch Division Mumtaz Kazmi, SSP Riaz Mughal, and other district officials.