Mirpur: Government Minister, Chaudhry Azhar Sadiq has stated that the financial resources of the Azad Kashmir government are considerably insufficient, whether compared to Punjab or other provinces of Pakistan. To address the challenging economic situation in Pakistan and Azad Kashmir, the government has taken measures to increase the salaries and pensions of Azad Kashmir’s employees using a prudent approach, while the recent electricity tariff hike has been temporarily rolled back. A committee of ministers has been established to assess this situation.
The Prime Minister and the government are working day and night to ensure the provision of basic facilities to the people in the region.
These sentiments were expressed during discussions with various delegations at his residence.
Minister Chaudhry Azhar Sadiq noted that some individuals are attempting to undermine the government for their personal interests, but the Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwar-ul-Haq and the government will not engage in any form of blackmail. The government is well aware of the challenges faced by the people.
He further said that a formal notification has been issued regarding the increment in pensions and salaries of government employees. In response to the difficulties faced by the people, the government has revoked the recent increase in electricity tariffs and established a committee of ministers to address the situation. The Minister affirmed that the government of Azad Kashmir maintains complete communication with the federal government of Pakistan. A meeting between the Prime Minister of Azad Kashmir and the federal Finance Minister has taken place to discuss solutions to financial issues and other matters of Azad Kashmir.
Azhar Sadiq said that the people of Mirpur district have made sacrifices not once, but twice, for the construction and resuming work on the Mangla Dam. The sacrifices deserve recognition. The completion of remaining tasks related to WAPDA (Water and Power Development Authority) in towns should also be ensured. Discussions are ongoing between the Azad Kashmir government and the federal government of Pakistan to complete the construction of the Rathoa Haryam Bridge, as it is a central government project that must be completed.
Azhar Sadiq highlighted that Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwar-ul-Haq and the government are tirelessly working for the welfare of the people in the region. He urged the people to have faith, stating that this government belongs to them, and their problems are acknowledged and solutions are being prioritized using all available state resources.