AJK PM vows to restore internet, road links in days

Muzaffarabad: Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Prime Minister Barrister Iftikhar Gillani has pledged that his administration would swiftly reinstate internet services in educational institutions and lift road restrictions with Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the coming days. During his visit to the Central Press Club on Saturday, Gillani pledged that the government would also devise a policy to alleviate economic losses faced by businesses in Mirpur due to the internet blackout and recent protests.

“We will strive to restore business activity and aid in recovering the losses,” he affirmed. Joined by legislators Chaudhry Abdul Rehman Arain and Dr Mustafa Bashir Abbasi, Gillani voiced apprehension over the situation in Rawalakot, vowing that his government would do everything in its power to restore order. He emphasized that the greatest concern for the government was the disruption caused to children's education, as teaching activities had been halted in various educational institutions.

“I will make every effort to restore internet services in educational institutions within the next few days,” he declared. Gillani also assured the public that limitations on routes linking AJK with Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa would be removed within a day or two. “I assure you that these closures will no longer be visible within one or two days.

There will be no restrictions or hindrances of any kind on movement,” he assured. The prime minister expressed his desire to unite political forces and the populace of the state to propel AJK forward. “If the government is genuinely interested in resolving the problems of the people, there should be nothing that creates discord within the state or sends a message of division to the outside world,” he emphasized.

Gillani is set to travel to Lahore to meet Nawaz and Maryam Sharif. He noted that the election of several young PML-N legislators had brought about a "clear change" in the political landscape and expressed confidence in his team's capacity to deliver. “Our entire team has the ability to deliver. It has delivered in the past and will deliver again, and you will all see that delivery,” he stated.

Referring to AJK's development, Gillani credited former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif with doubling the region's development budget, enabling tangible advancements. He attributed the construction of the Central Press Club to the resources provided by the PML-N federal government. Gillani expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for establishing Danish schools in four AJK districts, describing the initiative as a testament to the PML-N leadership's affection for the people of AJK.

He called upon the media to contribute to fostering a positive atmosphere and counter what he perceived as negative influences. “This is also the purpose of my visit to the Press Club today,” he remarked, stressing that society needed to transcend the pursuit of "fame and views" and collaborate in building a robust, educated, and developed AJK.

Earlier, Gillani toured the terminal of the green electric buses recently supplied to AJK by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. A senior member of the Board of Revenue, Sardar Mohammad Zafar, briefed him about the impending launch of the bus service, its designated routes, and other arrangements. The prime minister scrutinized the e-buses and reviewed facilities at the terminal, issuing directives to the relevant officials.

In his remarks, Gillani thanked PML-N President Nawaz Sharif and Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for honoring their commitment to provide green buses to AJK prior to the elections. He pledged that the PML-N government would prioritize development, public welfare, and alleviate the hardships faced by the people of AJK. “I assure the people of Azad Kashmir that the PML-N government will work to reduce their problems and address their sense of deprivation.

We will make every effort to improve their lives and ensure that the people feel the difference of having a PML-N government in place,” he affirmed. Gillani departed for Lahore on Saturday, where he would pay a courtesy visit to PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif and Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Sunday.