AJK Government Showcases Major Reforms in First 100 Days

Azad Jammu and Kashmir – (Web Desk) – Minister for Information, Endowments and Religious Affairs, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Chaudhry Muhammad Rafique Nayyar, has said that the Pakistan Peoples Party government in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, led by Prime Minister Faisal Mumtaz Rathore, has delivered exemplary performance within its first 100 days in office.

He stated that the government has taken practical and far-reaching decisions in a short period, and their positive effects are being felt across the region. According to him, historic steps to restore the political system, promote merit, prioritize education and health, resolve long-pending issues, improve service delivery, and reduce public hardships have restored people’s confidence in the system.

The minister said infrastructure development has been given top priority, with road expansion and reconditioning projects launched in various areas. He highlighted the implementation of the historic Overseas Convention, the Joint Action Committee agreement, issuance of health cards, practical steps for launching 5G services, regular cabinet meetings to address public issues, and allocation of development funds to all constituencies.

Chaudhry Muhammad Rafique Nayyar said new town committees are being established and upgraded to strengthen the local government system. Some municipal committees have been granted municipal corporation status, and new naybats have been created. Projects for streetlights, water supply schemes, and solid waste management have also been approved to improve urban facilities.

In the health sector, the government has announced the upgradation of several hospitals. Kotli District Hospital will be expanded to 250 beds, additional beds will be provided in DHQ hospitals, and Neelum District Hospital will be expanded to 100 beds. Approval has also been granted for a state-of-the-art hospital in Mirpur and the provision of CT scan machines in various districts.

In education, new degree colleges and university campuses are being established, higher secondary schools have been approved, and over 300 lecturers have been appointed on merit to ensure academic sessions are not disrupted. The restoration of student unions and the approval of education boards have also been described as major achievements.

In the IT and telecommunications sector, a historic fiber optic network project worth billions of rupees is being launched. Policy measures have been introduced to eliminate right-of-way charges and ensure the timely launch of 5G services, while the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority has started surveys to provide mobile and internet services in remote areas.

The Overseas Convention was organized to address the problems of Overseas Kashmiris. A separate court has been established for speedy resolution of their cases, along with a dedicated web portal for complaints and a one-window operation to encourage investment.

Under welfare measures, the government has set a minimum monthly wage of Rs 40,000, granted permanent status to Grade I employees, upgraded drivers’ grades, provided additional salaries to lower-grade employees, and issued health cards.

Measures to waive electricity arrears, remove pension disparities, and increase benefits and quotas for persons with disabilities have also been approved. Financial assistance and government jobs have been provided to the families of those martyred in protest incidents.

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The Information Minister said the government is serious about fulfilling its promises and is establishing an integrated monitoring system to ensure implementation of all announcements. He expressed confidence that the current government will set a new direction for development, prosperity, and good governance in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and that the steps taken in this short period will lay a strong foundation for the years ahead.