MUZAFFARABAD, Pakistan: Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has said that development and prosperity of Pakistan is directly linked with the prosperity of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).
While addressing the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Cabinet in Muzaffarabad on Thursday, the prime minister said that the prime minister the federal and AJK governments will hold discussions soon after the International Monetary Fund (IMF) team leaves the Country to finally settle the pending issues so no such incident like recent protest in AJK arises again.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif addresses the meeting of the Cabinet of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, today in Muzaffarabad. pic.twitter.com/d9Hpy2fKHn
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) May 16, 2024
Shahbaz Sharif expressed condolences over the death of civilians and a police personnel during the protests and announced a package for heirs of Shuhada.
The prime minister said that the funds worth Rs 23 billion announced by federal government for Azad Kashmir have been transferred into the AJK government account.
The prime minister said that Pakistan holds the people of Indian Illegally Opccupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) in high esteem and will continue extending its moral, political, and diplomatic support to them. He said that the day is not far when people of IIOJK and Palestine will get their inalienable rights.
Furthermore, the prime minister directed to constitute a high-level Committee for consultation over matters related to Neelum-Jhelum Hydropower Project. He said that the Committee comprising senior officials from federal and AJK governments will finalize the short, mid and long term plans within next two weeks.
The prime minister directed the officials concerned for immediate and earliest possible completion of the bridge at Mangla phase II, so no chaotic elements can ever misuse and exploit this little incomplete portion of bridge for their sordid political gains.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the government of Pakistan and the AJK government with regard to 960 MW Dudhnial Hydropower Project.
 team leaves the Country to finally settle the pending issues so no such incident like recent protest in AJK arises again. ){kind=link}