AJK PM thanks Sharifs for green buses

MUZAFFARABAD:

Azad Jammu and Kashmir Prime Minister Barrister Iftikhar Gillani on Saturday thanked PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for fulfilling their commitment to provide green electric buses to AJK, saying the initiative would provide modern transport facilities to the people of Muzaffarabad.

Gilani made the remarks while visiting the Green Electric Bus Terminal here, where he inspected the buses provided by the Punjab government and reviewed arrangements for the launch of the service.

During the visit, senior Board of Revenue member Sardar Muhammad Zafar and other officials briefed the prime minister on the proposed bus service, its routes and operational arrangements.

Gilani also inspected facilities at the terminal and issued directions to the relevant authorities to ensure necessary arrangements.

Thanking Nawaz Sharif and Maryam Nawaz, Gilani said they had fulfilled their promise to provide green electric buses to AJK before the elections.

He said the PML-N government was committed to development, public welfare and reducing the difficulties faced by the people.

"I assure the people of AJK that the government will take every possible step to address public grievances and overcome their sense of deprivation," Gilani said.

He added that his government would take practical measures to improve people's quality of life and create a sense among the people that the PML-N government had assumed responsibility for the development and welfare of AJK.

The prime minister said the green electric bus service would provide modern and improved transport facilities to the people.

The newly-elected AJK premier also met PML-N AJK President Shah Ghulam Qadir at his residence in Islamabad in an apparent bid to mend ties with the senior party leader, who has expressed resentment over the party leadership's decision to "ignore seniority and established traditions" while nominating Gilani for the top office.

Gilani visited Qadir's residence in Bani Gala and sought his cooperation for the success of the new government.

The meeting assumes significance as Qadir had opposed Gilani's nomination, boycotted the AJK Legislative Assembly session convened to elect the prime minister and did not vote for Gilani.

According to sources present during the meeting, Qadir told Gilani that he had no personal differences with him and regarded him as a younger brother, but remained firm on his principled position regarding the manner in which the nomination for the prime minister's office was made.

Qadir, according to the sources, expressed his displeasure with the party leadership for departing from tradition and preferring a junior member over a senior leader holding the party presidency.

A statement issued by the AJK government after the meeting said Qadir congratulated Gilani and conveyed his best wishes for his success.

Premier Gilani appreciated Qadir's role in the PML-N's electoral success and expressed hope that the senior leader would guide his government with his valuable advice in promoting good governance in line with the vision of Nawaz Sharif.

Qadir also advised the prime minister to improve governance, ensure merit in decision-making and resolve the problems of party workers on a priority basis.