S. A Haidri
Muzaffarabad: Prime Minister Azad Jammu and Kashmir (PM AJK) Raja Farooq Haider Khan said that the role journalist community is pivotal in the formation of public opinion and creating awareness among masses.
Appreciating the role of media the AJK PM said, “A free media plays a vital role in strengthening democracy and the economic development of country”. Prime Minister expressed these views after administering the oath of the newly elected members of Sajjad Shaheed Press Club Bagh at Prime Minister Secretariat on Tuesday. Minister for Forests AJK Sardar Mir Akbar, President Sajjad Shaheed Press Club Bagh Raja Abdul Hafeez and others were present on the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion he said that the oath has a revered importance in our religion according to which an individual must fulfill his obligations after taking oath. Terming journalism as a noble profession the Prime Minister said, “Journalists of Azad Jammu and Kashmir should highlight the issues of national importance and give their suggestions for the betterment overall system”. He said that acquisition of land and construction of buildings for Press Clubs will be made possible with the sponsorship of Azad Jammu and Kashmir Press Foundation.
Regarding the improvement of public sector organizations of AJK, PM said that the development of departments is subjected to suitability of eliminating corruption. “Incumbent government is facing shortage of capable officers in bureaucracy, however overloaded staff in departments has impeded the pace of progress” PM AJK maintained.
Regarding federal Governments support to Kashmir cause PM AJK said, “Pakistan is our lawyer and our movement for freedom of our brethren in occupied Kashmir may possibly materialize when Pakistan will prosper and will raise our voice strongly and determinedly at global level”. He said, “Prime Minister Pakistan Shahid Khaqaan Abbasi is committed for the amendment in Interim Constitution Act 1974 of AJK.”
Prime Minister announced that Municipal elections in AJK will be held by March 2018 and 25% quota for the representation of youngsters including women has already been decided as per our manifesto in general elections.
Meanwhile PM AJK also announced grant of 0.5 million rupees for the Sajjad Shaheed Press club and assured them for the acquisition of land and construction of building before long.
