Muzaffarabad: In a significant move to support post-1990s Kashmiri migrant families, Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir Chaudhry Anwarul Haq distributed cheques worth five lakh rupees each as the first installment for the construction of their homes. The ceremony, a pivotal step towards housing stability for these families, took place at the Prime Minister’s House amidst the presence of top government officials and a large gathering of beneficiaries.
According to Zameen.Com, the event saw the participation of several key figures including Senior Minister Col. (Retd) Waqar Ahmed Noor, Minister for Rehabilitation Javed Iqbal Badhanvi, Minister for Information Pir Muhammad Mazhar Saeed Shah, Minister for Education Diwan Ali Khan Chaghtai, Minister for Power Development Organization Chaudhry Muhammad Rashid, and Chief Secretary Dawood Muhammad Barich. During his speech, Prime Minister Haq emphasized the project’s role in addressing the migrants’ displacement issues, asserting their equal status within the community and underscoring his administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
The Prime Minister highlighted the progress of various developmental initiatives, particularly the revamp of stalled projects aimed at constructing permanent homes for the migrant families. He outlined the project’s timeline, stating that the first phase would be completed within three months, with the next installment of funds to be released shortly thereafter. He further called on the families to use the funds strictly for construction purposes, assuring them of the government’s vigilance in monitoring the use of these resources.
Rehabilitation Minister Javed Iqbal Badhanvi expressed his appreciation for the Prime Minister’s efforts and reiterated the commitment to maintaining transparency throughout the project’s implementation. The initiative aims to construct 750 permanent houses for the families, with 375 homes scheduled for completion in the first year and the remainder in the following year, culminating in a total expenditure of PKR 3,096.050 million. This plan forms part of a broader strategy to provide durable settlement solutions to families displaced in the 1990s, ensuring their integration and stability within the state.