NEELUM VALLEY (Kashmir English): The Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Chaudhry Anwarul Haq, on Monday attended the closing ceremony of the Neelum Sports Festival held at Tariq Shaheed Cricket Ground in Jagran Dabba, a village in Neelum Valley.
Speaking on the occasion, the prime minister emphasized the importance of promoting sports and healthy activities among the youth, according to a statement issued by the government’s Press Information Department (PID).
Prime Minister watched the final match between Jagran Star and Kutton Qalandar and presented cash prizes and a trophy to the winning team. The government ministers, including Mian Abdul Waheed Advocate, Pir Mazhar Saeed Shah, and Sardar Javed Ayub, were also present.
The Prime Minister congratulated the administration of the Neelum Sports Festival for promoting healthy facilities and encouraging youth participation. He announced that the Tariq Shaheed Cricket Ground in Jagran Dabba will be converted into a stadium, and the Sports Department will contribute to this project.
He stated that the problems of all roads in Jagran Valley will be solved, and a private-public sector partnership will be given priority to improve infrastructure.
Moreover, the prime minister mentioned that the government has allocated Rs. 3 billion for the construction of roads in snowy areas, and the funds have been provided from the savings made through the austerity policy.
In addition to that, Prime Minister Anwarul Haq inaugurated a plantation campaign by planting a sapling in the premises of Kutton Colony, a village and a tourist attraction in Neelam Valley.
Addressing the occasion, he emphasized the importance of public participation in making the campaign successful and highlighted the significance of plantation for the safety of future generations.
The premier also met the local delegation led by Qazi Ulfat, and on their demand, he announced the construction of a 160-foot Jagran-Chan Seri bridge for public convenience.
He met with various public delegations, listened to their problems, and issued orders to resolve legitimate issues on the spot. He said that all available resources will be utilized to resolve public issues.
Furthermore, the PM took a briefing on the Jagran Hydel Power Project’s progress from the Power Development Organization (PDO) officials and issued necessary orders.
“I will address the deprivations of Neelum, and tourism will be promoted by improving infrastructure,” he said.
After the closing ceremony of the Neelum Sports Festival, the Prime Minister, while addressing the media, emphasized that his government has taken practical steps to address the deprivations of Neelum by providing resources based on need.
“In various areas of Neelum, including Jagran Valley, the geographical shape of the area has changed due to floods in the past period, the main reason for which is deforestation,” he said.
He highlighted the importance of infrastructure development for promoting tourism in Neelum. The premier said that the current government has ensured the construction of the Neelum Highway to attract investors to Neelum.
“The roads spanning 100 km are under construction in both constituencies of Neelum Valley.”
PM Haq stated that the government’s priorities include improving communication, health, and education. He claimed that the government is free from corruption and has ensured transparency in its functioning.
In response to a question, the Prime Minister said that the government has been frugal and has continued to provide flour and electricity to the people a subsidized rates from its own resources.
“For the first time in history, the current government has set up medical camps in Taobat and Grace Valley through helicopter service and provided medical facilities to the people,” he stated.
In addition to that, he emphasized that the seats of the refugees of Jammu and Kashmir are related to the Kashmir issue and will never accept any move to end it. He stated that civil liberties are taken care of in Azad Kashmir, unlike occupied Kashmir.
In response to a journalist’s question, PM Anwarul Haq mentioned that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) is part of the coalition government, and the future will be decided in consultation.
