MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): The Azad Kashmir Development Working Party has discussed multiple key development and uplifting projects across the state under the outgoing fiscal year 2024-25.
The projects were discussed during the sixth meeting of the AJK Development Working Party, chaired by Additional Chief Secretary (Development) Atif-ur-Rehman, on May 27, 29, and 30.
The meeting was attended by representatives of the Planning Commission of Pakistan, the Finance Department, Secretaries of the concerned departments, and officers of the Planning and Development Department.
As per details, the meeting considered 57 projects for the construction, improvement, repair, and renovation of about 750 kilometers of link/main roads in different constituencies of Azad Kashmir under the administration of the Highways Department.
In addition, a feasibility study project for the construction of a road from Azad Pattan to Soan was also considered.
The meeting also discussed the outstanding work of Jamia Khadim-e-Harmain-e-Sharifeen Masjid Eidgah Muzaffarabad and the land compensation plan against the MCDP project.
The Prime Minister’s Youth Loan Program and the compensation plan for the land of the Training Center Barsala under the Industries and Crafts Department were also considered. The plan related to the establishment of IT Excellence Centers in Bhimber, Neelum, and Bagh districts was also considered.
The Working Party also discussed the plans regarding the construction of two tube wells to improve water storage in Kotli city, to improve water quality in Dangrot, Kotli, the repair and completion of the water supply system in Bagh city, Tehsil Headquarters Baloch Water Supply Scheme and the to conduct surveys and geotechnical assessments of various development/construction projects were taken into consideration.
Furthermore, the meeting also reviewed the plan for upgrading hospitals, including the 200-bed General Hospital in Rawalakot and the 30-bed THQ Hospital in Patka, Muzaffarabad.
The review plans of the 10-bed Haji Sohbat Ali Memorial RHC Hospital at Patan Sher Khan, the renovation of the surgical block at AIMS Muzaffarabad, the provision of equipment and other facilities at the 200-bed DHQ Hospital Mirpur, and the provision of electromedical equipment in RBTC, CMHS, AIMS Muzaffarabad and DHQs hospitals were considered.
In addition to that, the review plan for the construction of the Forest Complex Bank Road, Muzaffarabad, under the Forest Department, and the review plan for the classification of water quality, investigation of springs, and establishing a climate change hazard line were taken into consideration.
The Working Party also reviewed the power-related projects, including the upgradtaion of 11 kV feeders in various areas, including Muzaffarabad, Bagh, and Poonch districts.
Repair of distribution lines at the 14MW Jheng Power Station and extension of the 11kV New Secretariat feeder were also discussed. The meeting also discussed the construction plan of 11 kV feeders from grid stations to various areas, including Muzaffarabad city and Arja district, Bagh.
The meeting highlights the government’s efforts to drive development and improve infrastructure in Azad Kashmir.
