Unfavourable atmosphere: Sit-ins hampering AJK development, says minister

Finance minister claims prosperity of Pakistan must always come first.

MUZAFFARABAD:

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) rallies in Islamabad are obstructing development in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).

This was stated by AJK Finance Minister Chaudhry Latif Akbar.

“Work on the mega development projects of roads, bridges and buildings, funded 50 per cent   by the federal government, has been halted as the AJK government has no funds to pay the construction companies,” said Akbar while addressing a news conference on Tuesday.

Moreover, the finance minister said rallies of PTI and PAT have badly affected the ongoing military operation in North Waziristan and the AJK dispute as both issues could not get the proper media attention and space which is unfortunate.

“Our brave army is fighting against terrorism and the media is relentlessly covering the rallies of a handful of political workers who have jammed the wheels of prosperity and development of the country,” Akbar added.

He demanded that the suffering of the internally displaced persons (IDPs) be highlighted in the media.

In such a state of political instability how can we raise the suffering of the people of Indian Kashmir at the international level, stated the minister.

He said a politically and economically stable, sound and prosperous Pakistan is vital for the liberation of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

“Pakistan Peoples Party’s Central Executive Committee has already told Imran, Qadri and the government to sit together and settle their issues through talks rather than take part in protests that are counterproductive for the country,” Akbar further said.

The minister said the AJK government will arrange special programmes in connection with the Defence Day on September 6 to pay glowing tributes to the martyrs of Pakistan Army who have sacrificed their lives for our future.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 3^rd, 2014.