RAWALAKOT: (Parliament Times) Sardar Masood Khan, President Azad Kashmir has said that development work relating to infrastructure and road connectivity will be prioritized in order to facilitate the common man.
The President made these remarks while visiting numerous development projects initiated in various Union Councils of Rawalakot, Poonch District. During his visit, he was extensively briefed on the progress of the projects. The President expressed his desire for the early completion of all projects in line with the highest technical and quality standards.
In a statement issued here in Rawalakot, President Masood Khan said, the present Government has its sights set on making AJK an economic hub in the region by building modern road networks, infrastructure, and industries. “We will explore new avenues for investment, especially in construction, power generation, industry, mining, tourism, and agriculture”, he said.
The President also highlighted the policies of the AJK Government for the uplift of the general population and said that the Government was focusing on providing easy access to the best educational facilities at all three academic levels – primary, secondary and tertiary – by building schools, degree colleges and expanding the outreach of universities. He added that modern sub-campuses of AJK public sector Universities will be established in every district of AJK.
President Masood Khan dismissed the notion that AJK was a liability. He added that a new wave of economic development is beginning here in the state and it is Azad Kashmir’s determination to become self-sufficient and an economic engine for Pakistan. AJK, due to its strategic location is a strong bastion for Pakistan’s security and defense.
Accentuating the importance of infrastructure development, President AJK said that expansion and modernization of existing road networks would help reduce distances, promote tourism, encourage investors and generate economic activity in AJK.
The China Pakistan Economic Corridor, he said, will revolutionize the economic landscape of Azad Kashmir. Four major projects for AJK under the auspices of CPEC have been included which include Kohala (1124 MW), Korat (720 MW) Hydro Power Projects, Special Industrial Zone in Mirpur and the 196-kilometer Mansehra-Mirpur Expressway which will pass through AJK connecting it to the main CPEC route.
India is committing unthinkable war crimes in Indian Occupied Kashmir, the President said while severely criticizing the inattention of the international community towards the humanitarian crisis. Our brothers and sisters in Azad Kashmir are facing a brutal regime, which is making every effort to crush the unarmed freedom struggle and deny them their right to self-determination, he added. “India is committing massive violations of international humanitarian laws by brutally killing, harassing, arresting and maiming the innocent protestors. Delhi’s policy of vehemently using unabated force against the innocent Kashmiris is deplorable and the international community must take notice of the incessant human right violations in IOK”, said President Masood Khan.
