AJK PM enunciates institutional reforms in two years

MUZAFFARABAD:

Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq said the coalition government has implemented several institutional reforms during its two years in office.

Addressing a function in Thorad Rawalakot, the AJK PM pointed out that shortly after assuming office, he took strong measures against the tax mafia involved in tax evasion and fraud, which had been siphoning off 600 billion rupees from the national exchequer.

He highlighted that the incidents of corruption and flour looting have been largely addressed, adding strict actions have been taken against the tax, timber, and cigarette mafias.

About institutional reforms, the AJK PM highlighted the importance of the Public Service Commission and NTS in restoring merit in recruitment. He said nearly 3,000 boys and girls have been recruited on merit through NTS.

Addressing the issue of unpaid utility bills and the financial consequences of electricity theft, the PM remarked, "We can only fix the system by improving our character."

He lamented that while electricity was being provided to consumers at 71 rupees per unit, 70 percent of it was being theft. "Now, the cost of electricity is 3 rupees per unit and theft has increased from 70-71 percent, he added.