Prime Minister Azad Kashmir Chaudhry Anwar ul Haq has said that socioeconomic development and uplift of economically downtrodden sections of society was his government’s top priority

Islamabad(PID AJK)11 January: Prime Minister Azad Kashmir Chaudhry Anwar ul Haq has said that socioeconomic development and uplift of economically downtrodden sections of society was his government’s top priority.Talking to a private TV channel here today the AJK premier, while citing an excellent working relationship with the federal government, said that he was grateful to the federal government for the provision of a historic package (23 billion rupees) that enabled the government to provide huge subsidies on flour and electricity.He said that during the past couple of years his government has taken several initiatives to improve health, education and infrastructure in the State.He said that record increase in tax collection stands as a proof of good governance. “The next tax collection target has been set at Rs 40 billion rupees”, the PM said, adding that the burden on the treasury was reduced through austerity measures. “Steps have been taken for the welfare of the people”, he remarked.Referring to various challenges his government had to face last year, the PM Haq said that 2024 has been full of challenges, however, these challenges were resolved politically with collective wisdom and patience. He said that effects of political polarization in Pakistan have also been seen in Azad Kashmir.About the next election, he said, ” In AJK, there is usually a competition between major political parties”.He said that the government’s performance was evident to all. “We have worked for the welfare of the people”, he said, adding that his government enjoyed full support from allied partners.In response to a question, he said, ” India is our eternal enemy and it is futile to expect anything good from it”. Terming ongoing freedom movement in Kashmir as his government’s priority, he said that all out efforts would be made to highlight the Kashmir issue at the international level.He was of the view that the political system in Azad Kashmir was partially better than that of Pakistan. ” Even during the periods of martial law in Pakistan, Assembly Elections in AJK have been held regularly on scheduled time”, he maintained. He said that India’s nefarious agenda has been thwarted successfully.The PM while paying tributes to the sacrifices of the Pakistan Army, said that the armed forces of Pakistan have offered huge sacrifices while defending the territorial integrity of the State of Azad Kashmir.