Palaak-Chakswari highway: AJK premier lays foundation of highway

Raja Farooq Haider reiterates resolve to hold local body polls in May.

MIRPUR: Azad Jammu and Kashmir Prime Minister Farooq Haider on Monday laid the foundation for the Rs240 million Palaak-Chakswari highway in the Mirpur district.

The project, to be executed by the State Public Works Department, will facilitate the people of Mirpur, Islamgarh, Chakswari, Palaak, Dadayal and other adjoining areas.

While laying the foundation stone, Haider directed the concerned authorities to complete the project in the stipulated time.

Earlier, Haider inaugurated the spring tree plantation drive in the district by planting a sapling at the State Guest House in Dadayal. The ceremony was hosted by the AJK Forests Department.

Meanwhile, the AJK premier was accorded a rousing reception when he arrived in the adjoining town of Islamgarh on Monday afternoon in what was his first four-day visit to Mirpur district since he assumed the premier’s office.

LG polls

Addressing his supporters and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz workers in Islamgarh, Haider reiterated that the local bodies’ elections in the valley would be held in May this year.

Shortly after his election in July last year, Haider had hinted at holding local government elections in December 2016. However, he later said that the date had been pushed to May 2017.

It has been almost 24 years since the last local government were formed in the liberated territory.

Haider added that the government was encouraging private sectors to invest in the hydel energy and tourism sectors in the valley to help create more jobs for locals and ameliorate poverty in the region.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 14^th, 2017.