rki.news

Altaf Hamid Rao

MIRPUR (AJK), August 19: Prime Minister Azad Jammu and Kashmir Faisal Mumtaz Rathore on Wednesday formally launched a Rs72 million project to install and upgrade solar-powered streetlights in Muzaffarabad, the state capital.
The prime minister inaugurated the project by pressing a button to switch on the first solar streetlight at the Prime Minister House in Jalalabad.
Under the project, 480 solar streetlights will be installed across Muzaffarabad, including at the city’s four entry and exit points, along major roads and other important locations.
Speaking at the ceremony, Rathore said Muzaffarabad was the “face of the state” and efforts were being made to develop the capital in a manner befitting its status.
He said a beautification project launched four months ago aimed to make the capital cleaner, more attractive and better illuminated. He appreciated the chief secretary, Local Government Department officials and Muzaffarabad commissioner for supporting development initiatives.
The prime minister said his government had focused on overcoming political distrust, making the political system functional and initiating development projects across AJK, particularly in the capital.
He acknowledged that Muzaffarabad had not received the attention it deserved in the past and said funds had been provided to revive the long-delayed solid waste management project.
Rathore said the state’s administrative model needed review, with outsourcing considered for certain services to improve efficiency. He identified traffic management and sewerage as areas requiring immediate improvement.
He said AJK had significant potential in tourism and agriculture and highlighted recent investment and agriculture conferences aimed at developing both sectors. He also said measures had been taken to address bureaucratic concerns and introduce police reforms.
“Criticism is directed at those who are doing work,” he said, adding that his government had attempted to focus on every sector while maintaining close contact with the people.
Local Government and Rural Development Secretary Irshad Qureshi briefed participants on the project, saying the 480 solar streetlights would illuminate the capital, including its four entry and exit routes and major thoroughfares.
He thanked the prime minister for supporting development projects and addressing demands of elected local government representatives