Muzaffarabad, (Parliament Times) : Chief Secretary Azad Jammu and Kashmir Muhammad Usman Chachar has said that the massive potential in the fields of information, hydel, minerals and tourism could be greatly helpful in stabilizing the state’s economy.During a formal chat with journalists here on Thursday,
Mr. Chachar said that to ensure full implementation of law in the state was our collective responsibility. Stressing the need for a well-coordinated system, he said that for a quality and rapid service delivery there was dire need to have a proper system within the departments so that the issues could be addressed effectively in a befitting manner.“Once you have a system in place, you get things done properly”, he said adding the existence of a proper system also helps to improve service delivery.
Underlining the role of media in the society, the Chief Secretary said that it was imperative that the media organisations should promote positive journalism and guide masses in the right direction. Referring to the rules of procedure and conduct of business in the state the CS said that so far as the govt’s job was concerned there were three important phases that included policy making, strategy and action for which elected representatives and the bureaucracy work together. He said that government employees’ sole responsibility was to ensure full implementation of rules and regulations. He said that the CS’ role was not to dictate anything but ensure the implementation of rules.“
I am working along with my team and I try my best to contribute to make the system stronger”, he said adding that reforms would be brought in key departments to ensure good governance in the state.Replying to a query, the chief secretary said, “The impression being created with regard to reversal of 13th amendment is wrong”. He said that no amendment in the constitution was possible against the will of the elected representatives of Azad Kashmir and Pakistan. Referring to a letter from the federal government, he said that a sub-committee has been constituted to look into the matters regarding the 15th amendment.The 15th amendment does not mean that the financial and administrative powers of the Kashmir government are taken back”, he said adding that there could be no amendment in the constitution without the will of the elected representatives of Azad Kashmir.
He made it clear that the amendment was neither brought to cut off the political or administrative powers of Azad Kashmir nor was it being introduced to convert AJK into a province. Regarding Tourism Authority, he said that establishment of Tourism Development Authority won’t reduce the powers of the Azad Kashmir government.Secretary Information Ms. Midhat Shahzad and DGPR Raja Azhar Iqbal were also present on the occasion.