PM AJK Emphasizes Merit‑Based Governance, Civil Liberties, and Youth Empowerment

Neelum: (Special Correspondent): At the closing ceremony of the Neelum Sports Festival Season 2 held in Jagraan Valley, Azad Jammu and Kashmir Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwar ul Haq addressed a large gathering of locals, government officials, and sports enthusiasts. He used the occasion to discuss both the challenges and achievements of his ad-ministration in uplifting one of the region’s most underserved areas.
The Prime Minister rejected the idea that the current government is responsible for the long-standing un-derdevelopment of Neelum Valley. He explained that infrastructural and administrative neglect has been a historical issue and not the result of recent governance. He said that his government has taken a different approach, ensuring needs-based resource allocation and focusing on the areas that have been overlooked in the past.
He said the valley had undergone visible geographic changes due to floods, which were exacerbated by de-forestation. To address this, the government has imposed a strict ban on timber cutting and initiated legal action against those involved in illegal wood smuggling. The Prime Minister remarked that his administra-tion remains committed to the sustainable protection of the valley’s environment.
He also announced the ongoing construction of over 100 kilometers of roads in the Neelum Valley under the broader Neelum Highway project. These projects aim to ease travel, promote tourism, and provide better access to public services. He said tourism is the region’s backbone and the government is determined to develop the necessary infrastructure.
Prime Minister Anwar ul Haq noted that his government continues to provide subsidized flour and electrici-ty, which are vital for low-income communities.
At the same time, fiscal responsibility has been prioritized so that resources are not wasted. He said health and education remained key areas of focus, and helicop-ter-supported medical camps had been established for the first time in remote areas like Taobat and Grase
Valley.

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While addressing concerns from local communities, the Prime Minister listened to briefings by municipal representatives in Uthmagam regarding water supply and sewerage issues. He assured them that immediate steps would be taken, and funds released, to overhaul the outdated system.
He said that the people of Neelum are now more aware and vigilant about how resources are used. This increasing awareness, he added, has empowered citizens to question officials and demand transparency, which is a healthy sign for democracy and governance.
The Prime Minister also talked about the importance of youth development and highlighted the efforts of local organizers in promoting sports in remote areas. A new cricket ground built at a cost of Rs 2.8 million will be developed into a stadium, and he assured full support from the concerned departments to make that happen.
He also planted trees at Katton Colony as part of a reforestation campaign, calling it both an ecological ne-cessity and a religious obligation. He pledged more environmental and infrastructure projects, including a 160-foot bridge in the Jagraan–Chanan Sirri area and road links connecting Baboon and other isolated settlements.

On the political front, he reaffirmed his commitment to civil liberties in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. He said that people in AJK enjoy freedom, in contrast to the oppression faced by Kashmiris in Indian-occupied terri-tory. He stated that any attempt to unilaterally resolve the Kashmir issue would be firmly resisted and em-phasized that seats reserved for Jammu & Kashmir refugees in the AJK assembly must remain untouched as a symbol of solidarity with the larger Kashmir cause.

The Prime Minister concluded by presenting the tournament trophy and cash prize to the winning team, Star Eleven Jagraan, and accepting a shield of appreciation from the organizers. He said that youth empow-erment, merit-based governance, and citizen engagement will remain the cornerstones of his government’s vision for a better, stronger Neelum.