Muzaffarabad:Â (Parliament Times) AJK Prime Minister Raja Farooq Haider Khan has said the federal government under the leadership of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is working hard for the development of Azad Kashmir.
Addressing a news conference at Central Press Club on Thursday on Thursday, he said China-Pakistan Economic Corridor which will greatly benefit the entire area.
Raja Farooq Haider Khan said the federal government has approved a development package worth of one hundred twenty-five billion rupees for the uplift of roads network in Azad Kashmir under China Pakistan Economic Corridor.
He said construction of Expressway from Lower Topa to Kohala, medical college in Poonch, Leepa Tunnel and extension of Muzaffarabad and Rawalkot Airports have also been approved.
Raja Farooq Haider said Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif during his recent visit to Muzaffarabad had agreed and approved AJK government’s demands,  including  increase in  development and non development budget to overcome financial crisis, declaring AJK part of China Pakistan Economic Corridor, providing financial resources for the construction of 1450 kilometer long roads, construction of Lower Topa Muzaffarabad Expressway, upgradition of Muzaffarabad-Mansehra Road, construction of Shunter Nullah Tunnel under the CPEC and increase of AJK’s share in federal taxes.
He said, on the direction of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif AJK government shall get total  Rs 3.85 billion from federal government  including ,on account of its outstanding funds from Kashmir Council soon. The PM said construction work on 692 educational institutions affected by the 2005 earthquake going to be stared soon. He said approval has been accorded of  Excise and Taxation Department and Department of Accountant General to handed over to the AJK government to increase the revenue of the state. He said in water usage charge and taxes head AJK will get recourses of additional 15 billion.
He said a high level constitutional reform committee headed by federal minister has been constituted for amendments interim Constitution, Act 1974 and after the proposed amendments AJK government will have more financial powers. He said PM Pakistan has also given approval for the establishment of anti terrorism department, by establishing this department law and order situation in AJK would further improved, he said. He said Rs.3.5billion has been approved for the reconstruction in earthquake hit areas. Two air ambulances are being provided to AJK government, he added. He dismissed the propaganda regarding shifting of Mirpur educational Board and said we shall defend the rights of Mirpur. He appreciated the role of Pak Army for security of the Homeland. He said all State institutions are respectable including the Judiciary.  The Prime Minister said Kashmiris are struggling for their freedom while India was trying to change demography of the Occupied Kashmir.
He reiterated government’s commitment to continue diplomatic, political and moral support to Kashmiris. He said Kashmiris highlighted the Kashmir freedom movement with their blood. The martyrdom of Burhan Wani infused a new spirit in the Kashmir movement, he added. Minister for Information Mushtaq Minhas was also present on the occasion.
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