ISLAMABAD, April 22: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with top leaders from Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) to talk about the current political situation and urgently needed development projects in the region, reported by APP.
The meeting took place in Islamabad and included leaders like Shah Ghulam Qadir, President of PML-N AJK; Tariq Farooq, Secretary General of PML-N AJK; and Chaudhry Abdul Rehman, President of PML-N UK chapter. Federal ministers Engineer Amir Muqam, Rana Mubashir Iqbal, and PM’s advisor Rana Sanaullah were also present.
The talks focused on AJK’s poor infrastructure, especially the serious issues with healthcare and road conditions. Many hospitals in AJK lack proper equipment, medical staff, and basic facilities, making it difficult for people to get quality treatment. Roads in several areas are in bad shape, making travel unsafe and slowing down daily life and economic activity.
The delegation also raised the issue of the non-functional Muzaffarabad airport, which has remained closed despite repeated promises. They stressed the urgent need to make it operational. There were also strong demands for the construction of new airports in Mirpur and Rawalakot, which have been long-standing requests from the local population.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif assured the Kashmiri leadership that the federal government is committed to solving these problems. He said that the government will work closely with AJK authorities to improve hospitals, fix roads, and boost regional connectivity through airports and other infrastructure projects.
This meeting comes at a time when public frustration is growing over slow development in AJK. People hope that the federal government will now take stronger steps to bring real change to the region.
