Mirpur (ajk): Prime Minister Azad Jammu and Kashmir Faisal Mumtaz Rathore on Wednesday formally launched a Rs72 million project for the installation and upgradation of solar-powered streetlights in the State’s metropolis.
The PM inaugurated the project by pressing a button to switch on the first solar streetlight at the premises of the Prime Minister House in Jalalabad.
Under the project, 480 solar streetlights will be installed across Muzaffarabad, including at the city’s four entry and exit points, along major roads and at other important locations.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Prime Minister Rathore said Muzaffarabad was the ‘face of the state’ and that efforts were being made to develop the capital in a manner befitting its status.
He said a beautification project had been launched four months ago to make the capital cleaner, more attractive and better illuminated. He appreciated the role played by the chief secretary, his team, officials of the Local Government Department and the Muzaffarabad commissioner in implementing development initiatives.
The prime minister said that during his government’s tenure, efforts had been made not only to overcome political distrust and make the political system functional but also to initiate development projects across AJK, particularly in the capital.
Referring to discussions about the creation of smaller provinces and administrative units in Pakistan, he said the objective of such arrangements was to improve governance. He argued that AJK already met the criteria for such a model, with a population of around four million and a complete administrative setup.
The prime minister said the state possessed significant potential and talent and his government had organised an investment conference to promote tourism and an agriculture conference to develop the agricultural sector. He added that steps had also been taken to address concerns within the bureaucracy and introduce reforms in the police department.
‘Criticism is directed at those who are doing work, ‘ he said, adding that his government had attempted to focus on every sector and maintain close contact with the people.
He said the government had given a ‘trailer’ of its performance within seven months, arguing that such a short period was insufficient for a government to even fully begin its work.
