MUZAFFARABAD: Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq on Tuesday launched the Rs362 million “Integrated Solid Waste Management Project” for the state capital, aimed at benefiting a population of 230,000.

Speaking at the launch ceremony held at the Municipal Corporation Muzaffarabad, he stated that, as the capital city was the face of the state, his government was committed to providing all necessary resources to develop it in line with its importance.

He claimed that the activation of the treatment plant under the project would resolve the city’s water issues for the next 50 years.

Referring to ongoing projects, he mentioned that previously stalled initiatives like the Rathoa-Haryam Bridge and the Jagran Hydropower Project-II had been revived. Additionally, he said he had also spared Rs 1 billion in funding for the construction of the Neelum Valley Road up to the last village of Taobat, aimed at boosting tourism in the region.

The AJK Prime Minister assured that his government would prioritize the development and welfare of the state’s citizens using all available resources.

He also revealed that a “game-changer” health package for AJK was imminent, under which state-of-the-art healthcare services would be provided across the region.

Discussing healthcare in the capital, he noted that a lump sum allocation had been made for the cardiac hospital, ensuring advanced medical facilities were available at people’s doorstep. Furthermore, funds were allocated for medicines and machinery for the Abbas Institute of Medical Sciences (AIMS) in Muzaffarabad, significantly improving the quality of services there.

Announcing a Rs. 7.2 million grant for the Municipal Corporation Muzaffarabad, Mr Haq reiterated his commitment to restoring public trust in the government.

“I belong to no specific community or tribe, nor do I harbor regional biases. The resources of this state are dedicated to the welfare of its people alone,” he said, adding that he believed in taking practical steps rather than making mere verbal commitments.

Referring to ongoing debates regarding an ordinance on public assemblies, he maintained that the ordinance protected citizens’ rights to peaceful protest.

However, he added that any necessary amendments or repeal of the ordinance would be considered based on majority opinion. “Ensuring citizens’ safety is the government’s foremost responsibility, and I will go to any lengths to ensure public welfare,” he asserted.

Earlier, Minister for Local Government and Rural Development Faisal Mumtaz Rathore acknowledged the critical importance of the solid waste management project and praised the Prime Minister’s “personal interest” in addressing the issue.

He urged the Municipal Corporation’s elected councillors and citizens to support the success of the project, which aims to enhance the beauty of Muzaffarabad.

Mr Rathore also pledged to resolve pension-related issues for municipal employees within two months and announced plans to boost the Corporation’s revenue through public-private partnership initiatives, including projects such as slaughterhouses.

“We aim to strengthen municipal and other local government institutions at the grassroots level,” he said.

Minister for Law Mian Abdul Waheed, Minister for Finance Abdul Majid Khan, and mayor of Muzaffarabad Sikandar Gilani also spoke at the ceremony, expressing optimism about the project’s benefits for the city and its residents.

Published in Dawn, November 27th, 2024