MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): The Government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) has once again invited the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) to talks after the committee representatives skipped the meeting related to the refugee seats issue over some reservations.
Addressing the press conference in Muzaffarabad, AJK Information Minister Chaudhry Rafique Nayyar said that the government is ready for talks with the JAAC, asserting that most of their demands have been met.
Nayyar added that restoring the trust of the people in a short time is the top priority of the current government, because the new government has little time and a lot of responsibilities.
He said that in a short period of one to one and a half months, the government has succeeded in restoring the trust of the people, and in the next few months, the people will start seeing clear and practical changes.
The minister stated that the distinguishing feature of the Pakistan People’s Party has been that important responsibilities have been entrusted to this party in difficult and critical situations, and as soon as the PPP government was formed, the atmosphere of uncertainty and chaos in the government chambers ended.
He said that the government has decided to hold a cabinet meeting every week to improve governance.
Moreover, Nayyar added that all the requirements at the government level to make Azad Jammu and Kashmir Bank a scheduled bank have been fulfilled.
Mentioning the steps taken in the health sector, he said that Neelum District Hospital is being increased from 50 beds to 100 beds, while a comprehensive plan is also being prepared to provide cardiac surgery facilities in Muzaffarabad, Mirpur, and Rawalakot.
Talking about the agreement, he further said that relief money has been paid to the heirs of seven people who were martyred during the Action Committee protest, while compensation has also been paid to the injured.
According to the Information Minister, a total of more than Rs 9 crore has been paid to the martyrs and injured. He said that a further list of the injured has been prepared, which has been slightly delayed, but its payment will also be completed soon.
Chaudhry Rafique further confirmed that in the agreement signed with the JAAC, all the demands falling within the purview of the Azad government have been fulfilled, while a few matters falling within the purview of the Government of Pakistan are currently under consideration.
