Engineer Rohan Chaudhary
Mirpur: President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Barrister Sultan Mehmood Chaudhry, has announced that three major development projects in Mirpur will now be his top priority. These include the construction of an international airport in Mirpur, the establishment of the Mirpur-Muzaffarabad-Mansehra motorway, and the creation of a CPEC Business Center in the city.
Addressing the inaugural ceremony of Barrister Sultan Secretariat at OPF Chitterpari in Mirpur, the president vowed to focus on these projects and ensure their timely completion, utilizing all available resources. He expressed optimism that these projects would be completed soon.
President Sultan stated that with elections approaching next year, he advised his party workers to remain focused on his leadership, assuring them that tickets for all 13 constituencies in Mirpur Division would be personally issued by him. He expressed confidence that his candidates would achieve resounding victories in the upcoming elections.
During the event, the president reviewed his past commitments, including the completion of the Rathoa Haryam Bridge, addressing the Mangla Dam affectees’ issues, and constructing a parking plaza. He highlighted the progress made on these projects: the bridge construction is underway, the PC-1 for Mangla Dam affectees has been approved, and the parking plaza project has entered its final stages, with tenders already published. He emphasized that the parking plaza would be the first of its kind in AJK.
Acknowledging the unwavering support of Mirpur’s residents, who have elected him to the Assembly nine times, the president attributed his unique political journey to their love and trust. He noted that his tenure as Prime Minister, Leader of the Opposition, and now President was a testament to this bond.
Barrister Sultan further detailed the development projects completed under his leadership, including the reconstruction of Allama Iqbal Road and other major and link roads in Mirpur. He assured residents that all remaining roads would be constructed on a priority basis.
Highlighting his government’s achievements, he mentioned the approval of an exemplary health package worth PKR 8.49 billion, which promises revolutionary changes in the healthcare sector. He also announced plans to unveil a historic education package soon.
President Sultan revealed that he would embark on an international tour next month and, upon returning, would launch a comprehensive public engagement campaign during Ramadan. He emphasized his commitment to resolving public issues, announcing that he would regularly operate from the newly inaugurated Barrister Sultan Secretariat in Mirpur.
The event was attended by government officials, including Minister for Electricity Ch. Arshad Hussain, Minister for Physical Planning & Housing Ch. Yasir Sultan, Minister for Public Works Ch. Azhar Sadiq, Minister for Revenue Ch. Muhammad Akhlaq, and Presidential Advisors Sardar Imtiaz Khan and Ch. Mahboob. Chairman OPF Syed Qamar Raza and numerous district councilors and representatives from Mirpur Division’s constituencies were also present.
A large crowd enthusiastically welcomed President Sultan upon his arrival at the event. Supporters chanted slogans such as “Barrister Sultan Zindabad” and danced to drum beats in celebration. The ceremony turned into a public rally, with a significant turnout from all 13 constituencies of Mirpur Division.
