Clean Kashmir Programme to be launched across AJK soon: PM
Mirpur, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 15th Sep, 2026)
Prime Minister Azad Jammu and Kashmir Iftikhar Gilani announced on Tuesday that the Clean Kashmir Programme would soon be launched across all districts of AJK, with a focus on clean drinking water, sanitation, and improved solid waste management.
During a meeting of the Local Government and Rural Development Department in the state metropolis, the prime minister directed the department to initiate a transparent and merit-based recruitment process through a reputable third party for filling vacant posts. He emphasized the crucial role of the Local Government Department in public service delivery and grassroots infrastructure development, stressing timely completion of development projects according to prescribed standards.
Gilani also called for practical measures to strengthen sanitation and solid waste management systems, directing the department to formulate actionable proposals for reforming loss-making local government institutions. He further stated that the department's Annual Development Programme would be enhanced in consultation with the Planning and Development Department, with no compromise on the pace and quality of development projects.
Secretary Local Government and Rural Development Irshad Ahmed Qureshi briefed the meeting on the department's development programme, budgetary position, and 100-day plan. He informed that the department's development budget for 2025-26 stood at Rs3.2 billion, including Rs725 million for PC-I projects and Rs2.474 billion for non-PC-I projects.
The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary Sardar Adnan Khurshid, Director General Tahir Ashraf, Secretary Local Government board Ashfaq Noor, Chief Engineer Niaz Kayani, Chief Planning Officer Khawaja Masood, Deputy Director Babar Minhas, Director Board Qazi Iftikhar, and other concerned officers.