Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit-Baltistan and SAFRON, Engineer Amir Muqam, on Monday pledged to continue wheat and electricity subsidies and accelerate development projects in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), while urging voters to decide the region’s future through the ballot box ahead of the election scheduled on July 27.
Govt to continue AJK Subsidies; Amir Muqam
ISLAMABAD, Jun 29 (APP): Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit-Baltistan and SAFRON, Engineer Amir Muqam, on Monday pledged to continue wheat and electricity subsidies and accelerate development projects in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), while urging voters to decide the region’s future through the ballot box ahead of the election scheduled on July 27.
Addressing a Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) joining ceremony at the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Council here, Amir Muqam said the federal government would not leave the people of AJK alone and would ensure that the journey of development continued uninterrupted.
Former AJK government minister and Legislative Assembly member, Azhar Sadiq formally joined PML-N along with thousands of supporters. Amir Muqam and senior party leader, Chaudhry Tariq Farooq welcomed him by presenting the party cap and scarf.
The minister announced that subsidies on wheat and electricity for the people of AJK would remain intact and said constitutional and democratic elections were the only solution to the region’s political issues. He urged the people to make their decision through the ballot on July 27.
Amir Muqam credited PML-N President, Nawaz Sharif and Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif with ushering in a new era of development in AJK. He announced plans to establish modern educational institutions in every district of the region on the model of Daanish Schools.
He said the Haryam Bridge, the laptop scheme and several other development projects were gifts from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to the people of AJK.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s position on the Kashmir dispute, Amir Muqam said the entire nation stood united on the issue and it should not be politicised. He praised the courage of the people living along the Line of Control (LoC) and the armed forces during the recent “Battle for Truth,” saying their resolve was a source of national pride.
The minister also said Pakistan had emerged as a pillar of peace in the region and regained respect at the international level, adding that a united PML-N would continue serving the people of AJK.
Speaking on the occasion, Chaudhry Tariq Farooq said Kashmiris were Pakistanis by their own free will and choice, while adding that the federal government was providing record resources for the development of AJK.
Barrister Iftikhar Gillani said federal funding for AJK had doubled and expressed confidence that PML-N would secure a decisive victory in the upcoming elections.
Dr Najeeb Naqi also reaffirmed his support for the policies of PML-N and the party’s commitment to the development and prosperity of Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
