Karachi—President Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJ&K) Sardar Muhammad Yaqoob Khan, claiming that his last government almost succeeded in transforming AJ&K into a model state, informed that so far two Medical Colleges, IT University, Women’s University, Cadet College and an Agricultural University had been established. He was speaking at a reception hosted by Sardar Muhammad Rafiq Khan Chairman Bukhari Group in his honor here at Karachi Club.
AJ&K President told that during his meeting with the Governor State Bank he had suggested special packages for AJ&K to discourage money laundering. Lamenting that banks in AJ&K were not investing in social sector he appealed the overseas Kashmiris to invest in their homeland. He thanked the Chinese government for investing in AJ&K.
President Supreme Court Bar Association Sardar Muhammad Yaseen Azad lamented that Kashmiri advocates were not allowed to practice here. He said that lawyers affected by the 2005 earthquake, who were temporarily permitted to work in Pakistan, went back home. He observed that billions of rupees handed out to AJ&K by Pakistan Government were embezzled, otherwise the valley with its small population could have been turned into a model state. Citing an example of non-developmental expenditures he told that each minister was provided five or more luxury vehicles by the government.
Minister Transport AJ&K Tahir Khokhar, who belongs to Mutahhida Qaumi Movement, has said that his ministry under the able leadership of Sardar Muhammad Yaqoob Khan had made more progress in few months then was achieved in the last six decades. Stating that being a karachiite he knew the problems of Kashmiris living here, he informed that on MQM’s request Governor Sindh Ishrat-ul-Ibad Khan had increased the number of seats reserved in Medical and Engineering institutions for Kashmiris to 40. Announcing that Government of Pakistan had granted Rs. 5 billion package for promotion of tourism in the valley, he told the audience about various activities carried out by his government. Besides paragliding, they have revived the sport of polo that was played some forty years ago in the Neelam Valley.
A polo tournament was organized in which 8 teams participated. He said that through various cultural shows and participation in tourism expos etc. overseas Kashmiris had been given incentives to invest in Kashmir. He said that he was attempting to commence a bus service from Mirpur to London.
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