S. A Haidri
Muzaffarabad: Prime Minister Azad Jammu and Kashmir (PM AJK) Raja Mohammad Farooq Haider Khan has said that Information department is the face of Government saying that “we will increase its efficiency”. He exhorted that it is our core responsibility to deliver our progress to masses to aware them what is happening around us to restore their confidence.
The Prime Minister was addressing the occasion of the special unveiling ceremony of the monthly magazine “Jahan e Noe” , which was published on the occasion of the 70thfoundation day organized by the Information department of Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
PM AJK Raja Mohammad Farooq Haider Khan and Minister of Information, Tourism and IT Raja Mushtaq Ahmed Minhas unveiled the Monthly Magazine “Jahan e Noe”.
Ministers of the State Sardar Mir Akbar Khan, Syed Shaukat Shah, Dr Najeeb Naqi, Nasir Hussain Dar, Chaudhry Saeed, Members Legislative Assembly Raja Abdul Qayyum Khan, Chaudhry Ishaq, Chaudhry Ismail, Chaudhry Masood Khalid, Mian Yasir Rashid, Colonel (R) Waqar Noor, Raja Naseer, Raja Javed Iqbal, Additional Chief Secretary Development Dr. Syed Asif Shah, Senior Member Board of Revenue (SMBR) Fayyaz Ali Abbasi, Secretaries, Head of departments, Civil Society Members and a large number of citizens attended the ceremony.
Monthly “Jahan e Noe” magazine was published by Information Department till 1980, and department started its re-publication on the occasion of 70th founding day.
Prime Minister, on the occasion appreciated the efforts of department. He said, “This magazine is a valuable asset for young generation; the government is working for public interest. We have made unprecedented development in every sector. The steps are being taken to safeguard the historical heritage of Azad Kashmir and for this, the Azad government will start a special project for which funds will be provided, archaeological department should design a comprehensive plan in this regard.”
Referring to the massacre of Kashmiris in occupied Kashmir, Prime Minister said that the Indian Paramilitary Forces atrocities on the people in occupied Kashmir is unbearable. “Our brothers and sisters are bearing the brutalities on the other side of Line of Control, we pay tribute to their sacrifices and their dedication for liberation”, the Prime Minister added.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister Mushtaq Ahmad Minhas said that the re-publication of this magazine was made on the direction of Prime Minister. He said, “We needed a document which provide us information about our liberation; ‘Jahan e Noe’ a complete and informative document that includes cultural information.” Information Minister expressed hope that the Department of Information will be more efficient by maintaining its excellent performance.
Secretary Information Mansoor Qadir said in his speech said that in order to highlight the development of Azad Jammu and Kashmir on the media and to cover the ongoing Indian aggression in the occupied Kashmir, the department is making sure to provide all information to masses. “Information department is playing its role as a genuine bridge between the government and the media, while all government activities, advertisements and key notifications are published on its official website.” Mansoor added.
Director General Public Relations Raja Azhar Iqbal said that internet and smart phones have separated an ordinary man from the book, but the significance of written words cannot denied. He said, “Availability of information based on research has become a major challenge; in this context, the monthly “Jahan e Noe” will highlight the movement of Kashmir freedom as well as developments in AJK and government activities, especially to the public.”
Prime Mnister also gave the shield to Officers of the department for their outstanding performance including Muhammad Bashir Mirza, Javed Malik, Raja Sohail, Maqsood Mir, Shaukat Malik, Khawaja Imran, Qurat ul Ain, Yasir Arif, Shamim Anjum, Sajid Nazir, Malik Shabbir and Zia ur Rehman.