Engineer Rohan Chaudhary
Mirpur: Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Chaudhry Anwar-ul-Haq, has emphasized that a dignified life in the 21st century is impossible without a modern education system. Stressing the need for reforms and innovation in education, he stated that progress cannot be achieved under the existing status quo and that children must receive quality education to compete globally.
Speaking as the chief guest at the annual medal and awards distribution ceremony of the AJK Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education in Mirpur, the Prime Minister highlighted his commitment to merit-based policies over the past 21 months. He called for collective efforts to improve society and warned that history has not been kind to nations that fail to value their freedom. He declared that the time for mere diplomatic, political, and moral support has passed, emphasizing the need for practical steps toward the freedom of occupied Kashmir.
Tribute to Security Forces and National Integrity
The Prime Minister paid tribute to the sacrifices of security forces, emphasizing that those who lay down their lives in uniform to protect the nation hail not only from Kashmir but also from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, and Gilgit-Baltistan. He warned against any attempts to undermine their sacrifices, vowing a firm response to such criticism.
Education Reforms and Financial Support for Students
In a significant move, the Prime Minister announced that all orphan students across AJK would be exempt from board registration and examination fees. Additionally, he stated that if an exam marking error is found to be the fault of the board or an examiner, the board would refund the marking fee and impose an eleven-fold fine on itself, which would be given to the affected student.
The event was presided over by Board Chairman Professor Dr. Nazar Hussain Chaudhry, with Board Secretary Professor Sardar Laiq Khan serving as stage secretary. Several government ministers and officials, including Minister for School Education Dewan Ali Chughtai, Minister for Law Mian Abdul Waheed, Minister for Housing Chaudhry Yasir Sultan, and Advisor to the Prime Minister Colonel (Retd) Muhammad Maroof Khan, also addressed the gathering.
Recognition of Academic Excellence
During the ceremony, Prime Minister Anwar-ul-Haq distributed medals, awards, and cash prizes among the top-performing students of the 2023-24 secondary and intermediate exams. He announced cash rewards of PKR 25,000, 22,000, and 20,000 for the first, second, and third position holders, respectively. Additionally, he approved bonuses for board employees and announced a grant for the installation of a tube well to resolve the board’s water supply issues.
Policy Changes in Examination System
He further stated that students from Rawalakot or Muzaffarabad would no longer have to travel to Mirpur for paper rechecking, as they would now be able to view their answer sheets at regional board offices via LCD screens. He emphasized that teachers assigned to paper marking duties could not refuse their responsibility and warned of disciplinary action against those who fail to comply.
Commitment to Kashmir’s Freedom Struggle
Prime Minister Anwar-ul-Haq reiterated that all resources and power of AJK are dedicated to the freedom of occupied Kashmir. He emphasized that a nation’s dignity lies not in extravagance but in protecting the honor, lives, and property of its people. He lamented the situation across the Line of Control, where children are often left standing over their parents’ bodies due to ongoing atrocities. Condemning the oppression in Indian-occupied Kashmir, he stated that relentless brutality has stripped the people there of basic human emotions.
Call for National Reforms and Technological Advancement
During his speech, a female educationist in the audience stood up and praised the Prime Minister, stating that he was the first leader whose words truly resonated with the people. The Prime Minister acknowledged her remarks and reiterated the need for comprehensive educational reforms. He invited intellectuals across AJK to submit their proposals, assuring them that these suggestions would be presented in the cabinet and assembly for legislative action. He stressed that meaningful change is possible with the right commitment and that mastering technology is crucial for national prosperity.
With his strong stance on education and national integrity, Prime Minister Anwar-ul-Haq reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to both academic excellence and the greater cause of Kashmir’s freedom.
