Altaf Hamid Rao.

rki.news
MIRPUR (AJK), January 19 – President of the Markazi Anjuman Tajran (Ittehad Group) Mirpur, Chaudhry Mahmood, on Monday urged the AJK government to address the long-standing problems faced by the residents and traders of Mirpur city, highlighting years of neglect, mismanagement, and inefficient use of public funds.
Addressing a press conference at the Kashmir Press Club in Mirpur, Mahmood said the city, home to millions of expatriates, has deteriorated under the past four years of the PM Anwar-ul-Haq-led Forward Bloc coalition. “The elected representatives are equally responsible for the exploitation of citizens’ rights. Billions of rupees allocated for the Greater Water Supply have been squandered, and Allama Iqbal Road remains incomplete for four years,” he said, adding that the representatives have failed to show accountability or responsiveness since being elected.
Frontline leaders of the Ittehad Group, including Shabbir Ahmed Chichi, Professor Azkaar Ahmed, Raja Shabbir Khan, Muhammad Nazim, and Raja Jahanzeb Jani, joined the conference, sharing concerns over local issues affecting traders, residents, and small businesses, emphasizing the urgent need for reforms in civic management.
Mahmood lamented the inadequate healthcare facilities in Mirpur, noting that citizens are frequently referred to Islamabad or Rawalpindi in case of serious illness or emergencies. He called on the government to build a complete heart hospital in Mirpur and provide necessary funds to the DHQ hospital to ensure proper treatment for all residents. He also highlighted incomplete infrastructure projects, including street lights, sewerage systems, and the New City roads, all of which have remained in disrepair despite heavy expenditure over several years.
“The problems of water, electricity, and load shedding persist daily. We are not against any political party, but we will oppose anyone who exploits Mirpur. The Anjuman Tajran Ittehad Group stands firmly for citizens and traders. We love our city and will raise our voice loudly on the Prime Minister’s visit,” Mahmood said.
Professor Azkar urged citizens to unite against irregularities, citing decades-long land allotment issues, encroachment, and construction delays that have hindered proper urban planning and public welfare. He called on the Prime Minister of AJK to launch an inquiry into these unlawful practices and take immediate action to resolve the city’s persistent problems.
The Ittehad Group emphasized that Mirpur should no longer be treated like a stepchild, warning that the citizens and traders will continue to demand accountability, proper planning, and implementation of civic projects until meaningful action is taken to restore the city to its rightful condition.