The newly sworn in prime minister(13th) of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Sardar Abdul Qayyum Khan Niazi, has struck a surprise to many. In fact his name came to the limelight after Ik nominated him for the premiership. Well known for his humble family background and untainted political career ,it is widely believed that the PM would contribute significantly to development of AJK and strengthen the base camp, adding a life to the on-going freedom struggle in the occupied Kashmir. The following areas would require an immediate focus of the PM.
The premier needs to work rather expeditiously to address the issues of immense strategic and national cause(s). The line of control (LOC) ,stretching approximately 746 km, remains a target of relentless and indiscriminate Indian shelling, adding woes to those who dwell near the LOC. This often results into civilian causalities; there is an instant need to train and arm the people of the proximity so that they can defend in case of any possible Indian invasion. These locals maybe provided with the arms, after maintaining a proper record ,which can be done by giving additional responsibilities to the officer commanding (CO) of the respective areas. The locals should be trained to use these weapons efficiently to operate (assemble, dissemble) them in the times of need. During peace time, these weapons may be given in the custody of the Police Stations.
Moreover, the locals also need be trained regarding mines and IEDs to minimise the chances of any possible fatality. There is also an urgent need to train the students and teachers in First Aid so as to give an emergency treatment to the wounded and sick:who have to be carried to the nearby hospitals. It is a sad fact that there are not many (properly equipped) health centres near the LOC. In many cases the victims die while being shifted to the nearest hospitals. Their problems are aggravated by the fact that the link roads are dilapidated. Though these link roads are significant strategically.Unfortunately,in past, no attention was paid to develop them. It requires a mention here that the Indians have developed quality road along the LOC to facilitate its army. But, on our side, this gross negligence often leads to great humanitarian loss. So: without any delay, the government needs to build more hospitals and roads, besides improving the existing ones.
The forests, real beauty of AJK has been cut massively, under strong political patronage, resulting to soil erosion and an adverse effect in climate change. In many areas the forest land has also been occupied with the support of political mafia. To save our forests, the PM needs to measures without any ado. The government needs to punish the mafia responsible for this devastation. The PM ought to initiate an emergency plan to plant trees at a massive scale, across the state, involving students, teachers and the civil administration.
To ensure accountability across the board would be another daunting challenge for the premier. The PM should choose an impartial and a person of high integrity to ensure nab the crooks. This is imperative to win the confidence of the people, and the Kashmiri diaspora: who would be able to invest with more confidence to develop the area. A special mechanism ought to develop to address the concerns of the diaspora, to facilitate them further.
The tourism industry has thrived in the recent years. The arrival of Kashmir Premier League in Muzaffarbad has certainly added a booster to it. In future the matches may be organised in Mirpure as well. The government needs to fire up this industry and train the locals to maximise the benefits. To this end a strong road network and stringent security would encourage the tourists, both national and international.
In addition to that the government needs to address the issues of the refugees living in various parts of AJK. Their living standards need to be improved and special funds should be allocated for their children to mainstream them. We cannot afford to disappoint our brothers who marched into AJK, carrying lots of hopes and dreams.
Above all, the government needs to fulfil its constitutional role to highlight the issue of Kashmir. There is a dire need to organise seminars and conferences to involve the international community to put pressure on India. The government must use possible foreign avenues to stir the conscience of the world to help resolve the Kashmir dispute. In this regard the Kashmiri diaspora (most of them well educated) can also be engaged .They just need encouragement and motivation.
The industry is almost non-existent in AJK. The government needs to facilitate the expats so that they can invest more confidently. It would lead to more job opportunities and usher an era of progress and prosperity in the state.
The education sector also requires a special and immediate consideration. The existing medical and engineering colleges need to be equipped with labs and infrastructure improved further. There is a prescient need to promote skilled based education to equip the youth to be self-reliant. It would unemployment, allaying the concerns of our youth and alleviate their frustration. Undoubtedly, the challenges are daunting but keeping in view the past career, and his rich legacy of determination, it is hoped that premier would talk bold and swift steps to overcome these challenges. Good luck, the premier!
