Azad Jammu and Kashmir Prime Minister Sardar Tanveer Ilyas called on Advisor to the PM on Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Qamar Zaman Kaira, here, on Wednesday.
In the meeting, there was a detailed discussion regarding the ongoing development projects and economic issues in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, said a press release. The advisor to PM Kaira said that Kashmir has a special significance in the heart of the people of Pakistan, adding that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had issued special instructions to resolve the problems of AJK.
In the current fiscal year, the financial budget of AJK had been maintained at the same amount despite cuts in the budgets of all provinces, said Kaira. Qamar Zaman Kaira assured the AJK PM that the federal government would continue playing a positive role to resolve the problems of the valley without bringing into consideration any political affiliations.
Meanwhile, AJK PM Sardar Tanveer Ilyas apprised the advisor on the ongoing economic challenges in terms of increased overall value of various projects on the heel of an increase in remuneration of the staff due to inflation. To which, the advsior replied that PSDP funds had been reduced across Pakistan. Moreover, the AJK PM hoped that the Ministry of Kashmir Affairs would play its role in paying the region its due share from Universal Service Fund (USF). “There is a need to strengthen mutual cooperation and relations between the Ministry of Kashmir Affairs and the AJK government, Kaira stressed.
All problems of GB to be addressed on priority basis: Advisor to the Prime Minister on Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Qamar Zaman Kaira, and the Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan Khalid Khurshid discussed the constitutional issues of Gilgit-Baltistan and the plan of mutual consultation regarding the determination and supply of wheat price. According to a statement issued on Wednesday, a detailed exchange was held during the meeting about the security situation in Gilgit-Baltistan, development projects, budget issues, and wheat supply.
Qamar Zaman Kaira said he had met the Prime Minister regarding salaries, development projects, and wheat supply in Gilgit-Baltistan. He said he will continue to solve the problems of Gilgit-Baltistan regardless of any political affiliation. He said the whole country was facing problems due to the prevailing economic crisis, however, relevant forums would be approached to solve the economic problems of Gilgit-Baltistan. Last year, Kaira added, the budgets of all the provinces were cut, but the annual budget of Gilgit-Baltistan was maintained.
In the meeting, wheat supply and prices were also discussed in detail. It was also agreed upon to set up a plan of action regarding wheat price determination and supply with mutual consultation of all political parties. Chief Minister Gilgit-Baltistan Khalid Khurshid said budget problems were faced with reference to PSDP projects, ADP projects, and salaries. “Reforms are being introduced in the fields of education, health, and agriculture.”
The GB Orders of 2018 and 2019 of Gilgit-Baltistan and the case in the Supreme Court over the matter were also discussed in the meeting. It was also agreed on mutual consultation regarding the constitutional issues of Gilgit-Baltistan. Qamar Zaman Kaira assured all kinds of support to Gilgit-Baltistan on behalf of the ministry and said that enhanced relations between the provincial government and the ministry would help resolve the issues faced by GB.
