MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): The most senior minister of the government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Colonel Retired Waqar Ahmed Noor; Information Minister Pir Mohammad Mazhar Saeed Shah; and Minister for Local Government and Rural Development Faisal Mumtaz Rathore have said that they welcome positive criticism from media.
They said that journalists should also highlight good works of the government and added irresponsible behavior causes chaos in the society.
They sought media broadcast the news after investigating the matter, understanding the difference in judicial decisions, government orders and legislation.
“Without research news is against the basic principles of journalism, the government believes in negotiations, not always allowing hatred and spreading chaos in the state.”
They also urge people not to listen to rumours on social media adding journalists should refrain from broadcasting news without research.
They expressed these views while addressing a press conference at the PID Complex.
AJK Information Minister
Information Minister Maulana Pir Mohammad Mazhar Saeed Shah said that the condition of hospitals has improved with special interest in the health sector.
The government has ensured the supply of commodities to the public in accordance with standard and hygiene principles from the mobile food testing lab. Opposition to the Public Action Committee’s mobile food testing lab is a testament to the public enmity, he added. He also defended the salaries of the government functionaries adding the criticism on the salaries of the Assembly members is not fair.
Senior Minister Colonel (R) Waqar Ahmad Nur said that the unfortunate incident in Poonch resulted in the martyrdom of ASI, which is very sorry.
He said one person has been arrested while the police are working to arrest the other.
Minister for Local Government and Rural Development Faisal Mumtaz Rathore said that the government had held successful talks with the Public Action Committee and the local representatives and believes in resolving the problems through negotiations in the future. “The government has the power to legislate.”
Responding to a question, Finance Minister Abdul Majid Khan said that a proposal to increase the salaries of the Assembly members on the style of Punjab and the federal has come before the Finance Committee which is being considered.
The Finance Committee is headed by the Speaker Assembly, which also represents the opposition and the law minister is also a member.
The minimum salary of the labourer has been fixed at Rs 37,000. Notification has also been issued in this regard. The relevant forum can be processed on a salary of less than 37 thousand, he said.
