The President made these remarks while addressing the annual event of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Social Reforms Council organized at Dar-ul-Jihad in Rawalakot on Wednesday.
On the occasion, the President commended the organizing committee of the AJK Social Reforms Council for their determined and consistent efforts in mobilizing the population in addressing key issues of the society. He said this organization has effectively identified issues and has been working for their early resolution.
He said the civil society can collectively work hand in hand with the Government by creating a public-private partnership for social reforms.
He said we must unite in fighting social evils like illiteracy, drug abuse, intolerance and corruption.
President AJK said development projects related to the construction of roads, water schemes and other civic amenities would be completed soon all the while ensuring the highest standards of quality are met.
He said the road leading to Rawalakot from Sudhanoti had been completed and work on Azad Pattan - Sudhanoti road would also be completed soon.
Stressing on the importance in upholding and promoting the culture of merit, the president said by providing equal opportunities we can ensure only the competent are selected on the basis of merit. He said the government is focusing on transparency, accountability and universal access to justice. He further said that the difference between developed and non-developed nations is the vigilance and sense of responsibility displayed by its citizens.
Praising the efforts of the council in preserving the history of the freedom struggle in Kashmir by establishing a museum and library at Dar-ul-Jihad, the president said this endeavour will help the younger generation in understanding the history of our freedom movement.
The president said the innocent Kashmiris are being tortured, murdered, maimed and illegally incarcerated in the Indian Occupied Kashmir by the Indian forces.
He said 193 UN member states have an independent identity but even today the people of IOK have no independent political identity.
Pakistan, he said, was the only sovereign window for the people of Kashmir.
He thanked the people and government of Pakistan for their moral, political and diplomatic support to the right of self-determination of the Kashmiris.
Addressing the students present at the event, the President advised them to acquire the latest education and display confidence through academic and professional competence. He said students must have faith in themselves and the Almighty and adopt a sense of responsibility to serve their society and people. “Our Value system is your moral compass and true north”, he said.
The event was also attended by former AJK President Sardar Muhammad Anwar Khan, President Sudhan Education Conference Sardar Sadeeq Khan, President AJK Social Reforms Council Sardar Abdul Khaliq, lawyers, former bureaucrats, members of the civil society and notables of the area.