rki.news
Altaf Hamid Rao.
MIRPUR (AJK) • 25 February 2026, Chairman of the AJK Prime Minister’s Inspection and Implementation Commission, Chaudhry Hassan Ashraf, visited the Mirpur Development Authority (MDA) offices Wednesday to assess the institution’s functioning, services, and challenges, an official statement said.
During the visit, DG MDA Mahmood Mumtaz Rathore briefed the chairman about the Authority’s operations and current problems. The briefing included the presence of Director Estate Management Chaudhry Amjad Iqbal, Director Administration Kaleem Ahmed Jaral, Town Planner Muhammad Salman, and other senior officials.
DG Rathore said the MDA, established in 1974 to provide housing for Mangla Dam-affected people, currently employs 275 staff, responsible for monthly salaries and pensions, despite limited resources. He highlighted ongoing initiatives, including a master plan implementation, full computerization of records, and priority work on overseas Kashmiris’ plot allotments.
Rathore also detailed key development projects: the cricket stadium, Sui gas supply improvements, Asifa Bhutto Public Park, Lehri Park, Football Academy, and the 1500-kanal boundary wall of Chattarpadi Cemetery. Additionally, the MDA has launched a public-private partnership for solid waste recycling. The DG clarified that past agreements, such as the cricket stadium collaboration with PCB, were canceled due to unmet obligations, but local tournaments continue under MDA supervision.
Chairman Chaudhry Hassan Ashraf emphasized that the Authority should focus on overseas allotment issues to restore investor confidence, attract maximum overseas investment, and promote Mirpur’s social, political, and economic growth. He stressed that transparent processes, timely delivery, and proper communication are essential to rebuild trust with overseas Kashmiris.
DG Rathore assured the chairman that all overseas allotment matters would be prioritized and resolved promptly, reinforcing transparency, efficiency, and accountability. He added that restoring MDA’s reputation and fostering investor confidence are key objectives for the Authority in the coming months.
The visit reflects AJK authorities’ commitment to strengthening governance at MDA, fostering public trust, and creating an investor-friendly environment for overseas Kashmiris interested in Mirpur’s development. Officials reaffirmed that no new allotments would be issued until the master plan and computerized systems are fully implemented, ensuring fairness and maximum participation from overseas investors.