Raja Sajid
NEELUM VALLEY: Prime Minister Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Chaudhry Anwar-ul-Haq on Monday arrived in Neelum Valley on a two-day trip overlook the Jagran hydel power project, where he scrutinised critical projects facilitation and the state of public service facilities.
During his trip, the Prime Minister of AJK went to the Jagran hydel power project Phase II, went around the ongoing construction, inspected the machinery installation at the powerhouse, and got to know it in all respects. In his briefing, Engineer Staff Shahid Iqbal informed that the construction work has been done and what is yet to be done. After visiting, the Prime Minister was informed of the resources that were needed to execute the project as planned.
Shahid Iqbal, the project director for the Jagran hydel power project, gave a thorough update on the finished and unfinished construction activities. The Prime Minister was briefed on the resources needed to ensure the project was completed on schedule after the powerhouse was inspected and the machinery was installed.
“The timely completion of Jagran Hydel Project is key to Azad Kashmir’s prosperity,” says Chaudhry Anwar-ul-Haq, he further added “I am personally overseeing the project to ensure its timely completion,” hinting at its completion soon.
“The project will be operational at all costs before June 2025,” Chaudhry Anwar-ul-Haq assured.
Dr Sardar Sajjad Mughal briefed the Prime Minister on his subsequent visit to the District Headquarters Hospital (DHQ) in Athmuqam, where he evaluated the medical services. He immediately noticed the lack of doctors during the inspection and gave orders to resolve the matter right away.
He also ordered the provision of an ultrasound machine and other essential medical equipment within a week to improve healthcare services at the hospital. He stated, “All necessary facilities, including doctors, will be provided at DHQ Hospital Athmuqam,”.
Discussions regarding Upper Neelum’s emergency medical services, especially for regions hit hard by snowfall, were also part of the visit. The government’s commitment to supplying these areas with necessary healthcare services was reaffirmed by the prime minister.
“Emergency healthcare services have been provided in snowfall-affected areas of Upper Neelum,” assured the PM.
What is the Jagran hydel power project?
The Jagran hydel power project, which will contribute 48 MW of electricity to the national grid, is situated on Jaggran Nullah close to the Line of Control. The project involves substantial tunnelling and aids in training locals in tunnelling techniques. By constructing secure retaining walls along the nullah, the project will also shield residents from seasonal flooding.
Additionally, PM Anwar-ul-Haq highlighted the historic restoration of the Grace Valley road in January. This restoration was aimed at improving accessibility for residents during harsh weather conditions. Talking about it he stated, “For the first time in history, the Grace Valley road was restored in January,”.
Mian Abdul Waheed Advocate, the Minister of Law, and Faisal Mumtaz Rathore, the Minister of Government Affairs, accompanied the Prime Minister on the visit. They participated in the talks on regional healthcare advancements and infrastructure development.
The government’s importance on completing development projects on schedule and enhancing public services in Azad Kashmir is demonstrated by the Prime Minister’s visit. His orders are intended to guarantee advancements in the energy and healthcare industries, both of which are essential to the development and well-being of the area.
