Muzaffarabad (S. A Haidri): Prime Minister Azad Jammu and Kashmir (PM AJK) Raja Mohammad Farooq Haider Khan has said that lush green forests all across the liberated territory were biggest assets of our State and were considered as backbone of tourism in the region.
Prime Minister expressed these views while addressing the inauguration ceremony of afforestation here on Saturday. Minister for Forest Sardar Mir Akbar, Minister for Works Ch. Muhammad Aziz, Minister for Industries and Social Welfare Mrs. Noreen Arif, Member Legislative Assembly Dr. Mustafa Bashir, Secretary Forests and other pertinent officers along with media representative were also present on the occasion.
He said that forests provide friendly environment. Terming unabated process of tree cutting as a major cause of deforestation he said, “The unending process of tree-cutting and smuggling of timber won’t be tolerated”, he said adding that deforestation at huge scale causes climate change, incumbent government has allocated 1400 million rupees in this regard to curb seasonal changes by afforestation.
“It is ensured that all hydro-power-projects companies working within the State will allocate some percentage of the budget for environment friendly measures” he asserted.
Prime Minister Azad Kashmir stated that there is a dire need for further improvement in the forest department. There is no any problem of resources, saying that the forestry not only keeps our environment clean but it is also our need to maintain the state’s beauty for the enhancement of tourism.
“We are facing imbalanced biological diversity and disturbance in echo system because of cutting woods on large scale, one should use wood wisely and specially the forest department must consider merit at recruitment” he exhorted.
Prime Minister added that masses should invest on trees as their coming generation will take benefit from it, he said, “Forests are the assets of the State, incumbent government has initiated to plant new trees on 28 thousand acres land and I invite all civil society members and media workers to monitor this process of afforestation”
“I will not allow anyone to occupy the land of the forests, no one is allowed to occupy state resources” Prime Minister cautioned.
While talking on abolishment of Kashmir Council, Prime Minister expressed that relations between Kashmir and Pakistan will become more strengthen when Ministers in AJK will have more authority, “in addition of authority, we also have the responsibilities to fulfill them” PM maintained.
“If Kashmir Council will be abolished, then the pertinent authority be will the government of AJK and we will remain no stone unturned for public service.” Prime Minister stated.
“I believe that after passing the bill of Finality of Prophet Hood (S.A.W.W) in the assembly, God may give us the strength and wisdom to work efficiently and our work will become easy” Prime Minister prayed.
Prime Minister stated that the legislators have the authority to make decision regarding constitution rather than employees and it is our commitment that not a single office bearer of Kashmir council would remain un-employed.
Minister Azad Kashmir said that the workers of Kashmir Council take salaries from the people of Azad Kashmir, they should think before going on protest, “Azad Kashmir would be more stable and strengthen after the amendment in Interim Constitution Act 1974, we will not let any employee of Kashmir Council jobless.”
Prime Minister AJK admired the endeavors of PM Pakistan for the state, adding that he said that PM Pakistan Shahid Khaqaan Abbasi also ordered to give water usage charges equal to Tarbela besides amendments in Interim Constitution Act 1974.