ISLAMABAD: Minister for Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit-Baltistan and SAFRON Amir Muqam has said resolving the longstanding issues of the people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) remains one of the foremost priorities of the federal government.
He made these remarks while addressing a joint news conference in Islamabad alongside Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry following a meeting of the Monitoring and Implementation Committee.
The meeting was convened to review progress on the agreement signed between the government and the Jammu and Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee.
Speaking on the occasion, Amir Muqam stated that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is taking a keen personal interest in the development and welfare of AJK. He noted that the Prime Minister regularly seeks updates on progress and implementation of decisions taken under the pact and remains fully engaged in ensuring that commitments made to the people are honored in letter and spirit.
He also recalled that the Prime Minister personally visited Muzaffarabad to review development initiatives and directly address local concerns.
Highlighting the government’s broader development agenda, the Minister said key welfare initiatives including Daanish Schools, laptop schemes, and Sehat Cards have been extended to Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and the Federal Capital, Islamabad, ensuring that residents of these regions benefit equally from national programs.
Amir Muqam further informed that a total of 37 demands were presented by the Awami Action Committee. Of these, 17 demands have been fully addressed and implemented, while work on the remaining demands is progressing on a priority basis.
He emphasized that one of the principal demands, limiting the AJK cabinet to twenty members, has already been accepted and implemented by the government as a demonstration of its seriousness and commitment.
Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said that the Monitoring and Implementation Committee, constituted by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, is actively overseeing the execution of the agreement and ensuring timely follow-up on all agreed points. He added that the majority of the commitments have already been fulfilled, while sustained efforts are underway to complete the remaining measures without unnecessary delay.
He further stated that the Federal Government is transferring required funds and utilizing all available resources to address pressing issues faced by the people of AJK, particularly in the areas of healthcare, infrastructure development, and the power sector.
He highlighted that ten billion rupees have been allocated specifically to improve electricity infrastructure, including the replacement of damaged transformers and strengthening of the overall power distribution system.–APP
