rki.news
Altaf Hamid Rao
MIRPUR (AJK), March 29 – Mirpur Divisional Commissioner Raja Tahir Mumtaz Khan announced that practical steps have been initiated to implement the recently approved integrated development plan for the socio-economic development of Mirpur city and other districts of the division. The plan aims to provide residents and the overseas Kashmiri community with modern basic amenities, improved civic infrastructure, and enhanced recreational facilities.
Speaking to media representatives during his visit to the Kashmir Press Club Mirpur, the Commissioner emphasized that negligence by any nation-building institution in addressing urban or rural problems would not be tolerated. He was accompanied by Additional Commissioner Mirpur, Raja Qaiser Aurangzeb.
The Commissioner highlighted that a grand cultural event is being organized in Mirpur to showcase Jammu and Kashmir’s centuries-old heritage and offer entertainment for both local residents and the diaspora. Referring to ongoing face-lifting efforts, he noted that the Municipal Corporation Mirpur has removed informal structures and ordinary huts from key viewpoints and initiated city-wide clean-up operations. Renovation and beautification of public parks, children’s areas, and other recreational facilities are also underway, with modern facilities to be provided for citizens and visiting overseas Kashmiris.
Tahir Mumtaz lauded the media’s active role in highlighting public issues and termed the Kashmir Press Club Mirpur a vital institution promoting constructive journalism. He praised journalists for their consistent efforts in raising awareness about civic problems and long-standing grievances.
He underscored that Prime Minister of Azad Kashmir, Faisal Mumtaz Rathore, has instructed strict measures to modernize Mirpur city and prioritize the resolution of issues faced by overseas Kashmiris. Special attention is being given to socio-economic development projects aligned with the aspirations of local residents.
Commissioner Mumtaz stressed continuous monitoring of government institutions to ensure efficient service delivery. Misbehavior or negligence by any public official towards overseas Kashmiris will not be tolerated. Initiatives include constructing parking plazas to address traffic congestion and vacating commercial basements on main roads for parking purposes.
He also assured strict action against patwari-related complaints and emphasized the responsibility of the Overseas Pakistanis Foundation to resolve issues in its housing schemes. The Commissioner highlighted the government’s commitment to transparent administration, institutional coordination, and proactive engagement with both local residents and the diaspora.
The session concluded with a brainstorming discussion where media representatives highlighted civic grievances and long-standing issues, particularly affecting over a million Britain-based overseas Kashmiris. The Commissioner appreciated their constructive suggestions and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving public services, infrastructure, and socio-economic welfare throughout the Mirpur division,