M. EJAZ
When Sardar Tanvir Ilyas Khan, former Prime Minister and President of the Istahkam-e- Pakistan Party in Azad Kashmir, entered the political arena, his meteoric rise caught many by surprise. In the lead-up to the 2021 general elections, tasked with organizing Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in Azad Kashmir, he devoted tireless day-and-night efforts. The fruition of his hard work and strategic acumen manifested as PTI secured a resounding majority, leading to his appointment as Senior Most Minister and subsequently as Prime Minister through a successful no-confidence motion. Throughout his tenure, Sardar Tanveer Ilyas Khan spearheaded transformative initiatives that challenged the traditional political landscape and inspired the youth. Despite facing a network of conspiracies, his unwavering commitment to reforming Azad Kashmir shone through. His initiatives encompassed empowering local governments, establishing the Rehmat-ul-Alamin Authority, upgrading directorates for Quran teachers, and providing free electricity to mosques. Noteworthy efforts included relief on electricity bills, a substantial flour subsidy, and the establishment of a dowry fund. His forward-looking vision extended to youth and women empowerment, vocational training, and the creation of Kashmir Airlines. Financially, Sardar Tanveer Ilyas Khan secured approval for projects worth Rs 30 billion from the Saudi Development Fund, focusing on promoting tourism and employment.
Prioritizing agriculture, he supported farmers and landlords, promoted saffron production, and encouraged indigenous food and vegetable cultivation. His governance extended to cracking down on illegal doctors, ensuring quality medicines, and launching environmental awareness campaigns. Comprehensive housing projects for martyrs’ families, the establishment of the Clean and Green Kashmir Institution, and efforts to improve traffic and parking systems showcased his holistic approach. Initiatives such as the construction of houses for refugees, the Mirpur Dry Port Project, and agreements with institutions for modernizing Tevta demonstrated his commitment to infrastructure development.
Despite facing opposition, Sardar Tanveer Ilyas Khan’s enduring legacy lies in being a leader who prioritized the welfare of the state over personal gain. His achievements include the transfer of power to the grassroots levels, a testament to his selfless dedication to the betterment of Azad Kashmir. During his tenure, former Prime Minister Sardar Tanveer Ilyas Khan initiated significant advancements in the Public Works Department by implementing an online tendering process. The capacity of SDMA was augmented, and modern equipment was provided to enhance their capabilities. Muzaffarabad witnessed the installation of an underground power system, with plans to extend similar projects to other cities. Measures were taken to reduce line losses, prevent theft, and impose a complete ban on posters, banners, and chalking on public property. To address hurdles in the completion of the Kohala project, instructions were issued to establish a joint museum of the Armed Forces of Pakistan in Rawalakot. Annual development funds for Members of the Legislative Assembly were increased, and after the 13th Constitutional Amendment, the funds of Kashmir Council members were aligned with those of the Assembly. Under Sardar Tanveer Ilyas Khan’s leadership, modern facilities were introduced at the Cardiac hospital in Muzaffarabad, ensuring free medicines in emergency cases across government hospitals. SDMA units were established to handle accidents, natural disasters, and mitigate losses.
Noteworthy steps included salary increases for government employees, substantial funds allocated for pensioners’ welfare, incentives for farmers, and commendation certificates. Former Prime Minister Sardar Tanveer Ilyas Khan prioritized development during his tenure, promoting active, efficient, and self-sufficient local bodies. He emphasized planned construction in cities, police department reforms, recruitment through NTS, and investments in the police force. Educational reforms encompassed the upgradation of around 300 institutions, the introduction of postgraduate classes, and recommendations for ulma appointments in grade 16 to provide religious education. Additionally, initiatives were undertaken for water sports projects in Muzaffarabad and Azad Pattan. Efforts to strengthen state media included the establishment of journalist academies, construction of press clubs, provision of funds for youth in digital media, and journalist colony construction. Further commitments involved funding for bar council buildings, Rathua Hariam Bridge completion assurance, and the establishment of safari parks. Sardar Tanveer Ilyas Khan’s vision extended to announcing packages for Poonch, Baloch, Tararkhal, Palandri, Hazira, and Rawalakot residents. The proposal to grant hill station status to Rawalakot, establishment of a separate department for modernizing the traffic system, and approval for new sub-divisions reflected his commitment to addressing regional needs. Despite his impactful tenure, it is believed that Sardar Tanveer Ilyas Khan’s bright political future will usher in revolutionary steps for the benefit of the people upon his return to power in Azad Kashmir.