PPP AJK Urges New Govt To Restore Peace in Poonch, Sudhanoti, Hold Elections on 7 Seats
Pakistan Peoples Party AJK (PPP AJK) leadership on Monday urged the newly-elected government to prioritize restoration of peace in Poonch and Sudhanoti and immediately hold elections on the remaining seven seats of the AJK Legislative Assembly in the two districts.
Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, former AJK Prime Minister Faisal Mumtaz Rathore, PPP AJK President and Opposition Leader Chaudhry Muhammad Yasin, and former AJK President Sardar Muhammad Yaqoob Khan spoke about the party's achievements during their seven-month government, which they formed "not for politics, but to save the state and restore public trust" amidst significant political and administrative challenges.
Key Achievements of PPP AJK Government:
- Addressing Employee Issues: Promotions and regularization of long-pending cases, including those dating back to 2021.
- Financial Reforms: Allocation of Rs10 billion to help AJK Bank achieve scheduled bank status and implementation of property tax uniform with Punjab.
- Focus on Agriculture and Tourism: Holding the first-ever agriculture conference and preparing a development roadmap.
- Federal Support: Maintaining close coordination with Islamabad and seeking financial relief, though AJK only received Rs9 billion out of the Rs159 billion variable grant.
Criticism of PML-N:
Rathore criticized the PML-N for what he termed the "worst rigging" in recent elections and accused them of prioritizing politics over the state. He demanded a "Poonch Package" from the federal government and stressed the importance of holding elections in the seven constituencies of Poonch to uphold the people's right to vote.
Quotes from PPP AJK Leadership:
- PPP AJK President Chaudhry Muhammad Yasin: "The PPP has always prioritized state interests and democratic values. We established 5 universities and 3 medical colleges, with around 350 students now pursuing MBBS." He emphasized that a strong Pakistan is crucial for Kashmir's freedom and attributed AJK's problems to a flawed system, calling on political parties to put state interests above personal interests.
Other Speakers:
The press conference was also attended by Mian Abdul Waheed, Abdul Majid Khan, Qasim Majeed Chaudhry, Dewan Chughtai, Farzana Yaqoob, Zobia Khursheed Raja, and Ahmed Sagheer.