AJK govt vows to restore internet, reopen road links

MUZAFFARABAD: Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Prime Minister Barrister Iftikhar Gillani has announced that internet services at educational institutions and travel routes connecting the region with Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will be restored within days.

Speaking at the Central Press Club in Muzaffarabad, Gillani said the prolonged internet disruption had affected students and caused serious difficulties for businesses, particularly in Mirpur. He said the government was preparing measures to support traders who had suffered financial losses during the shutdown and recent unrest.

The prime minister said restoring educational activities was among the government’s immediate priorities. He expressed concern over the disruption to children’s studies and pledged to make efforts to resume internet services at educational institutions within the next few days.

Gillani also said restrictions on roads linking AJK with Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa would be lifted within one or two days. He assured residents that movement would be allowed without unnecessary barriers once the restrictions were removed.

Discussing the political situation, the AJK premier said his government wanted to bring political groups and the people together to promote stability and development in the region. He stressed that differences should not create division within the state or damage AJK’s image outside the region.

Gillani expressed confidence in his cabinet and the newly elected young PML-N lawmakers, saying the government had the capacity to deliver on its commitments. He said the political landscape had changed with the emergence of younger legislators and promised that their performance would become visible through practical measures.

The prime minister also praised former prime minister Nawaz Sharif for increasing AJK’s development budget. He said the additional resources had helped accelerate development projects and improve infrastructure in the region.

He thanked Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for establishing Danish schools in four AJK districts, describing the initiative as an important step towards improving educational opportunities for local children.

Gillani further urged the media to contribute towards creating a constructive atmosphere in AJK. He called for greater focus on development, education and public welfare rather than controversies and the pursuit of popularity on social media.

Earlier, Gillani inspected the terminal prepared for the launch of green electric buses provided to AJK by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.

Officials briefed him on the proposed routes, terminal facilities and other operational arrangements. The prime minister inspected the buses and directed the relevant departments to ensure proper arrangements for the service.

Gillani thanked Nawaz Sharif and Maryam Nawaz for fulfilling their commitment to provide electric buses to AJK. He said the initiative was aimed at improving public transport, reducing transportation difficulties and providing better facilities to residents.