MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): Shaukat Javed Mir has stated that all political parties in Azad Kashmir should be taken into confidence regarding the introduction of a constitutional package. These remarks were made by the All Parties Alliance Chairman and candidate from Constituency-7 during a special conversation with journalists at the Central Press Club.
This package includes proposals such as increasing the number of electoral constituencies in the Legislative Assembly by five, adding more seats in the Kashmir Council, enforcing an anti-floor-crossing law, imposing a seven-year ban on those who leave their party, and removing the two-year post-retirement restriction on government employees.
Shaukat Javed Mir also stressed the need for the creation of a Deputy Prime Minister post in Azad Kashmir, mirroring the federal structure, and emphasised urgent appointments to key vacant positions, including the Chief Election Commissioner and Chairman of the Accountability Bureau.
Shaukat Javed Mir calls for support for refugees and the transparent use of resources
Shaukat called for the construction of housing colonies for refugees, and for details regarding allotments, assets, and income/expenditures of the Kashmir Property to be presented in the Legislative Assembly. He demanded that political parties issue election tickets based on the agreed quotas: 33% for women and 10% for youth. He also suggested reappointing former Chairman of the Accountability Bureau Mushtaq Ahmad Janjua, recognising his remarkable past performance.
Neglect of development and tourism projects
Shaukat Javed Mir condemned the neglect of tourism, not just as an industry but even in terms of basic infrastructure. He lamented the rejection of the vital Leepa Valley Tunnel project, termed a lifeline for human safety, by both federal and regional governments, even though Rs. 7 billion had been allocated for it in the 2014 federal budget. He listed multiple areas like Leepa Valley, Chakothi, Pahl, Pandu, Nardajian, and others, where incomplete educational institutions, staff shortages, and lack of clean drinking water reflect a return to the Stone Age. He accused the education minister’s group of corruption, nepotism, and tribalism, saying public resources are being looted for future vote buying.
Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir praised as a symbol of hope
In response to a question, Shaukat Javed Mir stated that Field Marshal Hafiz Syed Asim Munir is a ray of hope and a towering symbol of trust for the helpless Kashmiri people on both sides. He expressed lifelong gratitude to the commanding officers, Lt. Gen. Shahid Imtiaz Mirza (10 Corps), Maj. Gen. Irfan (Chinar Division), and Brig. Amir Fareed Khan (Leepa Guards), for celebrating Eid with people at the LoC and strengthening ideological ties through their presence.
