rki.news

By Altaf Hamid Rao
MIRPUR (AJK), February 12 — Azad Jammu & Kashmir Prime Minister Faisal Mumtaz Rathore has said that restoring public confidence in the political system is the biggest achievement of his government.
Addressing the oath-taking ceremony of the AJK Supreme Court Bar Association in Mirpur on Thursday, the Prime Minister said his government assumed office under highly challenging circumstances but has successfully stabilized the situation and rebuilt trust among the masses.
Highlighting key initiatives, Rathore said Rs. 10 billion had been allocated to secure scheduled status for the state-run Bank of AJK. He noted that a health card programme was launched to provide free medical treatment for the general public. In education, a special package has been approved to address infrastructure and staffing gaps in schools and colleges.
The Prime Minister emphasized fiscal responsibility, citing a new transport policy to limit unnecessary use of government vehicles and restructuring of departments to improve efficiency. He added that his cabinet is working tirelessly to enhance governance and service delivery.
On self-reliance, Rathore said the state must stand on its own and encouraged investment from overseas Kashmiris, including an upcoming Overseas Kashmir Investment Conference. He also pledged full implementation of agreements with the Public Action Committee and stressed that decisions would prioritize public interest over political rivalry.
Rathore reaffirmed that the relationship between the people of Kashmir and Pakistan is rooted in faith and ideology, leaving no room for hatred or confrontational politics.
He announced grants of 3 million rupees each for the Supreme Court and High Court Bar Associations and assured that progress on the Lawyers Protection Act would continue in consultation with the legal community.
Earlier, he administered the oath to newly elected office-bearers of the Supreme Court Bar Association. Senior ministers, legal representatives, and lawyers from across AJK attended the ceremony.