ISLAMABAD, July 26: The AJK government has sought a bail-out package of Rs20 billion from the federal government to complete its ongoing development projects which have been affected due to shortage of funds.

The top leadership of AJK government, led by President Sardar Mohammad Yaqoob, Prime Minister Chaudhry Abdul Majeed, and Senior Minister Chaudhry Yaseen, held a meeting with Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf here on Thursday and emphasised the urgent need for financial support to AJK government.

The escalation of cost had further necessitated the injection of funds on urgent basis to complete these projects, AJK Prime Minister Chaudhry Abdul Majeed informed the prime minister.

The AJK Prime Minister also sought the intervention of the Prime Minister Pervez Ashraf in meeting the drinking water needs of the people of the territory. He drew attention of the prime minister that the situation was worsening with every passing year which warranted immediate intervention of the federal government.

The prime minister said that construction of Lower Topa-Kohala Dual Carriageway would be given due priority under the current public sector development programme.

Raja Ashraf stated that the federal government would honour its commitment to build an international airport in Mirpur which would provide first class air travel facilities.The prime minister directed the authorities to adhere to seven per cent quota of LPG for AJK as its non-observance was compelling the people to cut trees to meet their needs.

He also issued strict instructions to the departments of the federal government to strictly observe the recruitment quota in the services reserved for AJK.

Raja Ashraf expressed his appreciation that the AJK government had started classes in Mir Waiz Moulvi Farooq Ahmed Medical College and Muzaffarabad, Shaheed Benazir Medical College. The AJK Prime Minister informed that classes at medical college at Poonch would start next month.

On law and order situation, Raja Pervez Ashraf said that the federal government would extend all possible assistance to AJK government for raising 2,000 police contingents.