MUZAFFARABAD: Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq on Thursday invited the state’s sagacious citizens to share their views for the development of the liberated territory and the well-being of its inhabitants, assuring that his government would promptly act on any noble proposals received.

Expressing his views on former premier Raja Farooq Haider’s adjournment motion on the floor of the Legislative Assembly, PM Haq asserted that all decisions in his government were made in consultation with the coalition partners.

“I have full faith in the consultation process,” he said. “All decisions in my government are taken collaboratively because I believe no one is perfect. We must embrace democratic attitudes and reject bigotry, regionalism, and politics of hatred.”

Earlier, Mr Haider highlighted the need to reflect on the events during the long march of the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), warning that the repercussions of the recent rights movement could emerge in the next two or three years and might prove harmful.

“This is not a victory for anyone but a path to destruction,” said Mr Haider, who is a senior PML-N leader. “As a political worker, it’s my duty to point out these issues. They may hurl abuses at me on social media, but I will continue to call a spade a spade.”

The prime minister noted that [cabinet] members from the PML-N and PPP had been involved in negotiations with JAAC from the beginning, demonstrating his commitment to involving coalition partners in decision-making.

He emphasized his belief in action over hollow announcements and pledged to ensure the implementation of his commitments. He asserted that those challenging the state would be dealt with strictly and political issues would be addressed through political means.

Expressing his commitment to maintaining financial discipline, Mr Haq assured that taxpayers’ money would be spent solely on the welfare of the masses, with development funds allocated on the basis of the needs of the areas concerned.

“It is the government’s primary responsibility to bring significant improvements in sectors like infrastructure, health, education, and tourism, while also addressing the deprivations of the people,” he said. “As regards strengthening of the system, itis a collective responsibility of all segments of society.”

Without mincing words, the AJK premier stated that while the government must meet legitimate public demands, no one would be allowed to challenge the government’s authority or paralyze the system. “Mischief cannot be tolerated under the cover of [demands for cheap] electricity and flour. Such actions will be handled with an iron hand.”

He also reiterated that the Kashmiris’ eternal relationship with Pakistan and their ideology of accession to Pakistan would be further strengthened with strong conviction.

Mr Haq made it clear that nobody was indispensable and that his tenure in office depended on the confidence of the majority in the Legislative Assembly. “As long as I enjoy the confidence of the majority, I will remain in this office. Otherwise, someone else will replace me.”

Other speakers on the motion included PML-N regional president Shah Ghulam Qadir, former president and PPP leader Sardar Yaqoob Khan, and cabinet members Faisal Mumtaz Rathore, Mian Abdul Waheed, Abdul Majid Khan, and Nabila Ayub.

Later, Speaker Chaudhry Latif Akbar adjourned the session until June 13.

Published in Dawn, June 7th, 2024