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MIRPUR-AJK, Sep 10 (APP):Azad Jammu and Kashmir Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwar ul Haq on Tuesday announced plans to ensure that the upper reaches of Neelum Valley receive essential services and adequate supplies of food and medicine before winter sets in.
Speaking at a news conference in Kuttan Colony after his third visit to the valley, the AJK PM emphasized the need to understand the challenges faced by local residents.
During his two-day tour, he visited several remote areas including Taubut, Halmat, Phoolwai and Sardari.
“I felt the hardships and plight of the people in this beautiful but underdeveloped valley,” the AJK PM stated, expressing his commitment to elevate Neelum to the same development level as other regions.
The AJK Prime Minister highlighted that Indian aggression along the Line of Control (LoC) has significantly hindered the area’s economic progress. “The people of Neelum have suffered immensely due to this aggression,” he said.
He praised the strong relationship between the local community and the Pakistan Army, despite limited resources.
The AJK PM noted that the construction of the strategically important Neelum Highway is essential for both defense and tourism.
Additionally, he mentioned that the approval of the Halmat Rural Health Center (RHC) has renewed public confidence in the government.
Major projects that had stalled are now being revived, including the Rathoa Haryam bridge project which has been approved and the completion of Jagran Phase-2 by June next year.
The PM also announced plans to enroll around 60,000 children in schools across Azad Kashmir and congratulated 2,900 candidates who passed the National Testing Service (NTS) exams.
He reiterated his commitment to ensuring merit and rule of law in governance, stating that tax revenue would be used for the welfare of the people.
“Rs 13 billion have been saved through e-tendering,” he added, linking good governance to the supremacy of the law. In response to questions, the AJK PM affirmed that providing basic facilities to citizens remains a top priority. Efforts are also underway to grant AJK Bank scheduled bank status.