AJK PM lauds Germany for uplift of social sector

MIRPUR: Government of Germany always played a significant role for speedy development and progress of social sector of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Raja Farooq Haider Khan, Prime Minister of AJK on Tuesday said.

He made these remarks after inaugurating Regional Blood Center at the state-run Abbas Institute of Medical Sciences (AIMS) along with German Ambassador to Pakistan Martin Kobler.

Recalling horrific devastation of earthquake in year 2005, the AJK Prime Minister said Germany rushed to help along with the international community in rescue, relief and reconstruction activities in the quake hit areas of AJK.

He thanked Germany for helping the people and government of Azad Kashmir in health sector, especially in the construction of hospitals in Bagh and Haveli and Regional Blood Center at AIMS in the State's metropolis.

Germany after the World War-II quickly stood on its feet and became a developed nation of the world, he noted. Now it was leading the European Union which was pretty impressive, he stated.

"We need to get proactive to meet the future challenges of setting up more hospitals, educational institutions, roads and other infrastructure for the ever increasing population in the country, he said.

Farooq requested the German ambassador to extend financial assistance for the projects of provision of potable water to the people in AJK. He pointed out that the underground water tables have gone down as the amount of rains in those areas had significantly reduced for the last one decade. Government is facing challenges like provision of potable water, health, education and road infrastructure for the fast growing population of the State and it was pretty hard for it due to ongoing financial crunch in the country, he remarked.

He appreciated the efforts of Health Minister, Secretary Health, Director General Public Health, who ensured facilities of safe transfusion of blood to the people of Azad Kashmir at AIMS.

Addressing on the occasion Martin Kobler said that FW had completed a number of projects in health sector in Pakistan. He revealed that ten blood centers including the newly inaugurated in AIMS have so far been set up in the country. He said five more blood centers would be established in different cities of Pakistan including Islamabad.

"Prevention of sicknesses caused by transfusion of blood is imperative. Strengthening of health and education sectors constitutes a good society which progresses because of healthy and educated people," he remarked.

He said International Human Rights Day was observed on December 10, and pointed that it is basic human right of every one to have access to health and education. It is as much important as other rights.

The ambassador acknowledged that Pakistan is one of the ten countries of the world that were more affected by natural disasters. He said people should donate blood voluntarily which should be motivated and encouraged.

He said there should be proper planning for more hospitals keeping in view happening of natural disasters and assured that government of Germany would continue its assistance in that regard.

"After World War-II Germany split into two parts. Like many families my family was also divided but pleasant time came when it reunited," he said. He maintained that Kashmiris should hope that one day their divided families would also reunite.

He praised remarkable efforts of federal and provincial governments for completion of blood center projects in the country and said centers at AIMS was an expression of solidarity of Germany with people of AJK.

AJK Health Minsiter Dr. Najeeb Naqi, Secretary Health Maj. General Malik Muhammad Masood Khan and Country Director KWF also addressed on the occasion.