MUZAFFARABAD: Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq on Wednesday lavishly praised the federal government for providing “unimaginable” fiscal support to the region, attributing it to the “impeccable financial integrity of his administration”.

Speaking at a press conference alongside over a dozen members of his oversized cabinet, Mr Haq highlighted the revival of what he called some ‘dead’ projects worth more than Rs19 billion, including the Rathoa-Haryam Bridge in Mirpur, Jagran-II hydropower project in Neelum and ‘Out-of-School Children’ project for the whole state.

“Over the past 14-15 months of coalition government, the federal government has extended us unimaginable support in the shape of money in response to whatever demand we made for our development,” he said.

“This implies that there is no question mark on the financial integrity of me and my coalition partners… Every federal government functionary says that if we have to spend money in Azad Kashmir [on any project] this is the best time, because the pumped money is being spent absolutely in the right direction,” he added.

Talking about the challenges being faced by his government including litigation, pressures from the mafias and significant tax evasion, he claimed that his ministers and assembly members were offered Rs50 to Rs100 million to vote for a no-confidence motion against the government, but they remained steadfast in their commitment to public service.

“It’s because my lexicon is devoid of ill intent. Publicly and privately, I always pray to the Almighty that if ever my determination to serve my people without any fear or favour is shaken, this position of power should no more remain vested in me… So far, I am blessed with the consistency of intention,” he said.

The AJK prime minister also highlighted reforms undertaken by his government to ensure rule of law and merit and eradicate dereliction of duty and other corrupt practices.

“Whether National Testing Service (NTS) or Public Service Commission (PSC), there has been no intervention by any member of the government in their job to make merit-based recruitments,” Mr Haq said.

He said the government had also enacted an amendment to Zakat law, to ensure that all collected funds were directed to deserving persons, contrasting sharply to the previous practices whereby more than 60pc money was spent on departmental salaries and allowances.

“Whether Zakat or the Rs10 billion Special Protection Fund, the disbursement would be made through the most transparent manner after foolproof scrutiny, without any political involvement or discretion of any government functionary,” he said, adding that a proposal to publicly name recipients was also under consideration to enhance accountability.

Free electricity offered to 8,000 mosques

Mr Haq also informed that around 8,000 mosques in AJK had been offered 200 free electricity units per month, provided they installed electricity metres.

The AJK premier also outlined plans to modernise the healthcare system across the state, including procurement of advanced medical equipment such as CT scans and MRIs. He also emphasised on “merit-based processes” for the recruitment of doctors.

He pointed out that his government had not purchased any new vehicle in the past 14 months, asserting his administration remained “undeterred” despite corrupt elements.

“I give100pc credit for bold decisions to my cabinet colleagues,” he said while highlighting unity in his team.

Haq also compared the federal government’s “consistent support” for AJK with the situation in Indian-occupied Kashmir, affirming Pakistan’s steadfast commitment to AJK’s development.

“The presence of ministers at this press conference is also aimed at sending a message to the visible and invisible opponents — mafias and miscreants — that over the past 16 months, Islamabad has honoured whatever was demanded from Muzaffarabad.

“From cheap electricity to subsidised wheat flour to tax reliefs, you name any facility, you will find it’s enjoyed by people in Azad Kashmir,” he said. “You cannot cite even a nanoscopic part of this affection for occupied Kashmir by India. How can I overlook or deny this ownership [by Pakistan]?”

Published in Dawn, September 5th, 2024