Mazhar Shah Clarifies Article 505, Encourages Constructive Criticism

Muzaffarabad-(Special Correspondent)-The Minister of Information for the Independent State of Jammu and Kashmir, Pir Muhammad Mazhar Saeed Shah, addressed a press conference at the PID Complex, emphasizing the government’s commitment to transparency and freedom of speech.

Shah clarified that Article 505 of the Interim Constitution of Azad Jammu and Kashmir does not criminalize criticizing the government. Instead, it aims to prevent the spread of hatred and chaos through false information. He encouraged constructive criticism, stating that the government accepts it with an open heart.

The government has made significant strides in various sectors, including merit-based recruitment. 3,000 youths were recruited as teachers through the National Testing Service (NTS), ensuring transparency and fairness. The biometric attendance system implemented in government offices, educational institutions, and hospitals has resulted in a 90% attendance rate.

Additionally, the government saved 3 billion rupees by implementing the E-Tend Ring system and made the Accountability Bureau fully functional to ensure transparency and accountability.

The Social Protection Welfare Program received 1.19 lakh applications, with no fees collected from applicants. This program aims to provide financial assistance to vulnerable segments of society.

The government prioritized climate change-affected areas, allocating funds for infrastructure development and rehabilitation. Progress has been made on various infrastructure projects, including the Kathua Hariyam Bridge and Jagran Hydro Project Phase IV.

In the health sector, the government doubled the health department’s budget, providing ambulances, CT scans, and life-saving medicines in all districts. Large-scale reforms were introduced in the Department of Public Health and Education.

Funds were allocated to the Department of Local Government and Rural Development to improve social infrastructure. Steps were taken to improve the investigation process, including increasing infrastructure, capacity, and manpower. A thousand new posts are being created in the police.

Shah met with Chief Election Commissioner Azad Kashmir Justice Retired Abdul Rasheed Salharia to discuss editing separate voter lists for Muslims and Qadianis. Shah emphasized that Qadianis are considered non-Muslims under AJK laws and therefore require separate voter lists.

The AJK government’s commitment to transparency, merit-based recruitment, and infrastructure development is evident. Pir Mazhar Saeed Shah’s press conference showcased the government’s achievements and willingness to engage with constructive criticism.

The Information Minister also highlighted the government’s efforts to promote Islamic welfare state, including providing free electricity to mosques and installing solar panels.

Shah expressed satisfaction over the progress made in various sectors and assured that the government would continue to work towards the betterment of the people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

The press conference was attended by Secretary Information and Forests Ansari Yaqub Khan and Director Information Muhammad Bashir Mirza.