October 24 reminds us of the historic and revolutionary struggle by the people of Kashmir on one hand and apparently irreconcilable territorial dispute having no immediate end in sight on the other hand but hopes, even after six long decades, are still alive and people are still indomitable by any thought of giving up their struggle.
The Azad Jammu & Kashmir, a state emerged with the great struggle of Kashmiris is a self governing state. Although the complete freedom is yet to be gained from Indian occupation but the Azad government, during last six decades, made a remarkable progress in terms of prosperity and development. In 1947, at the time of partition, the economy in Azad Jammu and Kashmir was on subsistence level but the determination to develop the area was there. It was in early 60's when economic development of the area started in earnest. Despite financial constraints, successive governments made good efforts in laying down a proper path for the development of the area.
The present Pakistan People's Party government, under the enthusiastic leadership of AJ&K premier Chaudry Abdul Majeed has not only projected the Kashmir cause internationally to awaken the global community for peaceful settlement of the long standing dispute and give Kashmiris their fundamental right but also laid down a comprehensive developmental policy for the state. The Prime Minister Abdul Majeed managed effective lobbying in British parliament which resulted in debate on Kashmir issue for the first time. He insisted on Great Britain to lead international initiative on untangling the Kashmir issue as the UK can play a very crucial, futuristic role in this whole process. Kashmir remains the core irritant in good relations between Pakistan and India and the disputed Himalayan region is the key to both regional and global peace and no one can understand better than UK. He urged the international community during his visits to Europe and USA to take notice of genocide of Kashmiri people and help resolve the Kashmir issue.
The frequent visits of foreign delegations to Muzaffarabad and their ardor and keenness to seek the peaceful settlement of the Kashmir issue is an evidence of the AJ&K premier's efforts for the very cause. His efforts to bring APHC and AJ&K leadership on the same page are another Indian oppression in Kashmir and illustration of his devotion. Chaudry Abdul Majeed exposed amalgamated the people and the leadership across the Line of Control. AJ&K premier's recent visit to US and address to O.I.C contact group established strapping ties with Muslim world. Not only on diplomatic front but he addressed the issues of refugees of Jammu & Kashmir and took substantial measures for the rehabilitation of those who are settled in Punjab in co-ordination with Punjab government. The Prime Minister accentuated on human rights organisations and activists to take a strong notice of human rights violations in Indian occupied Kashmir. The Prime Minister Abdul Majeed devised a comprehensive policy for sustainable development and launched it immediately for the socio economic development and prosperity of the people of the Azad state.
The Government of AJ&K, under his devoted leadership, started working on a road map of development and prosperity to provide modem facilities to the people of the State without any discrimination. The government took all possible measures to address the problems of people living in far-flung areas. The Prime Minister Chaudry Abdul Majeed announced special packages for those are residing along Line of Control and suffer miserably during unprovoked firing by the Indian troops. He also headed for the provision of basic infrastructure to the remote areas of all the districts to bring the people are par with those inhabiting in urban areas. Not only this, his government addressed the problems being faced by traders association and affectees of Mangla Dam, Neelum-Jhelum and earthquake and resolved to a great extent.
The mega development projects have been launched in all the district headquarters of the State. The capital city of Muzaffarabad was given the special focus due to its vital importance and being the face of the state. All the main roads and link roads of the capital city Muzaffarabad are being widened and reconditioned and most of them have been completed successfully which are not only facilitating the people but also enhancing the beauty of it. On governance side his government took substantial steps to establish merit, good governance and end culture of exploitation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The special packages have been introduced in education and health sectors. The Azad Jammu & Kashmir government fulfilled its commitment to promoting education and established three universities and five colleges of higher education, including three medical colleges in the public sector since coming into power. Apart from the Universities and state of the art medical colleges a world class Islamic University is being established at Khari Shareed in Mirpur. Female education was given special emphasis and first Women University was established at Bagh recently. This is due to the zeal and commitment of AJ&K premier today the education ratio has increased to 65% which is more than any other province of Pakistan. There was a time when Kashmiri students used to seek the quota for admission in different institutions of Pakistan but now the government of AJ&K in its institutions gives quota to Pakistani students. Three medical colleges and five universities are provided with latest technology and qualified staff which have brought these educational institutions in the top ranking and students from Pakistan and overseas now prefer to get education in Azad Kashmir. The reconstruction of the infrastructure that had been completely destroyed in October, 2005 devastating earthquake was another gigantic challenge. The Prime Minister had to face up to the test and he accomplished it productively. The road communications were badly smashed. A part from the roads within cities and surrounding areas, the Prime Minister initiated Muzaffarabad Kohala Express way with an amount of Rs 2.5 billion. Naluchi bypass, one of the highest bridges in Asia is about to complete. Almost 90% work has been completed. Realising the energy crises in Pakistan, AJ&K government explored the potential areas for Hydal generation and signed mega projects. By the end of their 5th be relying on its resources. Out of 7965 projects of rehabilitation and reconstruction in quake hit areas 5044 have already been completed in just two years. The Prime Minister AJ&K introduced insurance policy for the people who die of accidents and provided enormous funds for emergency services. This is how he himself inaugurated the emergency services on October 8 this year and launched rescue 1122 services in AJ&K. The government of AJ&K, after two and half years, has completed the 50% year, it is expected that AJ&K will be load shedding free zone and will tasks it had set in 2011. Recent budget will prove a mile stone for future development in Azad Kashmir as government has increased development funds to 20%.
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