Rawalakot, (Parliament Times) : Prime Minister Azad Kashmir Chaudhry Anwar ul Haq has said that the coalition government during its two years in office have implemented various institutional reforms aimed at improving transparency, accountability, and the overall effectiveness of public services.
He said this while addressing a function organized by the Khair-un-Nas Welfare Trust in Thorad today.
Speaking on the occasion, the PM said that soon after assuming the office he had tightened noose around the tax mafia involved in tax evasion and fraud, stealing 600 billion rupees from exchequer.
He said that newspapers frequently reported incidents of corruption and flour looting in Azad Kashmir.
“It no longer happens now, because a strict action was taken against tax, timber and cigarette mafia”, he said adding the positive effects of which have started reaching the people.
He said that the coalition government had completed its two years in office successfully.
“During this period, there has not been a single moment when I have not heard the echos of no confidence being brought against the prime minister”, he said.
“I do not take any TADA or salary”, the premier remarked while reiterating his commitment to serve the people.
Referring to implementation of institutional reforms aimed at improving transparency, accountability, and the overall effectiveness of public services, the PM said ” The establishment of institutions like Public Service Commission and NTS is an important step towards the restoration of merit”. He said that nearly 3,000 boys and girls were recruited on merit through NTS.
Referring to none payment of utility bills and financial impact of electricity theft, the PM said, “We can fix the system only by improving our character”. He lamented that when electricity was provided to consumers at 71 rupees per unit, there was 70 percent theft.
“Now, cost of electricity is 3 rupees per unit, and electricity theft has grown from 70-71 percent”, he said.
“‘If taxes are not paid, how will the system work?”, he asked.
“We must thank Allah the Almighty that he has blessed us with a free state”, the PM said, adding that the worst human rights violations were taking place in occupied Kashmir while the people of Azad Kashmir enjoy complete freedoms.
“It is our shared responsibility to protect this liberated territory that was liberated by our ancestors after a hard-fought battle”, he remarked.
Terming Kashmir’s freedom as his government’s top priority, he said, “We owe this entire system to the Freedom Movement of Kashmir”.
Announcing the construction of two important roads in the area, he said that during the last two years, the government has allocated billions of rupees to improve health and road infrastructure in Poonch.
The PM said Poonch is more developed than other areas of the state. Addressing the ceremony, the Prime Minister further said that the facilities available to citizens in this area were far better than the people residing in other parts of the state.
He said that the government has worked painstakingly to a positive change and improve lives of the common masses. He, however, maintained that change is a gradual process which involves a continuity of policy.
Appreciating the welfare work of Khair un Nas, the PM said, ” The more work you do for the good of the humanity, the less it is”.
The ceremony, which was presided over by Ameer Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Azad Kashmir Maulana Saeed Yousaf Khan, was attended by Minister for Agriculture Sardar Mir Akbar Khan, Minister for Health Dr. Ansar Abdali, Minister for Food Chaudhry Muhammad Akbar Ibrahim, Advisor to the Government Sardar Ahmed Sagheer Khan were also present.
Islamabad(PID): The Chairman AJK Public Service Commission Lieutenant General (Retd) Hidayat-ur-Rehman called on President Azad Kashmir Barrister Sultan Mahmood Chudhary here today.
During the meeting, the duo discussed in detail the issues of mutual concern.
Lieutenant General (Retd) Hidayat-ur-Rehman, on the occasion, presented the PSC’s Annual Report to the President and briefed him about the overall performance of the Commission and measures taken to ensure merit in appointments.
Speaking on the occasion, the President Barrister Sultan Mahmood Chaudhry said, that upholding merit in the institutions like Public Service Commission was crucial for fostering a competent and efficient civil service capable of serving public effectively.
Stressing the need for a more transparent and merit based recruitment process, Barrister Chaudhry said that the Commission must strive for greater transparency, making sure that there was no comprise on the merit to maintain public trust and avoid any perception of unfairness.