Deforestation Posses Threat To Destruction And Displacement: AJK- PM

MUZAFFARABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 28th Jul, 2025) Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Prime Minister (PM) Chaudhry Anwar ul Haq has said that it was unfair to blame the present government for the decades-long deprivation of Neelum Valley.

Speaking to the media at the closing ceremony of the Neelum sports Festival held at Jagran Dabba,in Neelum Valley district on Monday, he said that the current government had taken practical steps by allocating resources based on actual needs to address long neglected area.

He said that past floods had drastically altered the geographical landscape of Jagran and other parts of Neelum, mainly due to massive deforestation.He warned that the unabated deforestation poses a serious threat of widespread destruction and displacement to settlements in eco-sensitive areas.“As Prime Minister, I imposed a strict ban on deforestation, acted firmly against the timber mafia, and prevented illegal timber smuggling,” he added.Highlighting the government's commitment to tourism development, the Prime Minister said that infrastructure is key to attracting investors.

“We ensured the construction of the Neelum Highway. More than 100 kilometers of roads are under construction in both Constituencies of Neelum,” he noted.In response to a question, the Prime Minister said the government continues to provide subsidized flour and electricity to the people despite financial constraints.He said that the austerity policy of his government has been instrumental in reducing government expenditures.

“We have set our priorities: first is communication, second is health, and third is education,” he said.

He added that, for the first time in history, medical camps were set up in Taobat and Grace Valley via helicopter to serve remote populations.He emphasized that development is being guided by the principles of need and hardship.

Responding to another question, the Prime Minister criticized the performance of development agencies, stating that they have failed in their basic responsibilities."While we fulfill our part, development agencies must also perform their duties,” he maintained.“These agencies were supposed to enforce building codes.

We are now working on legislation to ensure the implementation of these codes,” he said. He added that salaries of Development board employees in Neelum have been paid and remaining issues will be resolved.The PM made it clear that the refugee seats in the AJK Legislative Assembly are linked to the unresolved Kashmir dispute.“Any attempt to undermine the Kashmir issue or move toward its partition will be dealt with firmly,” he said.

He reaffirmed that ensuring subsidized flour and electricity remains a top government priority.He added that, unlike Indian-occupied Kashmir, civil liberties are protected in Azad Kashmir. “Anyone who violates civil liberties will face action", the PM said, adding that the Action Committee’s demands for cheaper flour and electricity were supported by all political parties." Our focus remains on ensuring that the state's resources benefit its people", he maintained.