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Muzaffarabad, The Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly convened on Friday under the chairmanship of Speaker Chaudhry Latif Akbar, addressing several pressing issues, including landslide risks and educational appointments. The session also saw the introduction of new legislation and motions concerning regional development and public safety.
According to Press Information Department – Azad Jammu and Kashmir, the assembly discussed the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Explosives Act, 2024, which was subsequently referred to the Standing Committee. The session highlighted the ongoing problem of landslides at Lohar Gali, with opposition leader Khawaja Farooq Ahmed urging the government to take immediate steps to resolve the issue, noting that previous federal government commitments to the construction of a tunnel had been redirected. Communications Minister Chaudhry Azhar Sadiq acknowledged the challenges at Lohar Gully, emphasizing the continuous risk posed by ground slides during rainy seasons.
Further discussions in the assembly focused on the mismanagement of teacher appointments in Muzaffarabad’s constituency number three, with Education Minister Schools Dewan Ali Khan Chaghatai addressing concerns about the legality of recent transfers and vacancies. Additionally, the assembly recognized the need to address the concerns of local journalists, with a directive issued for an investigative report to be presented in the next session.
The assembly also reviewed industrial development in the region, with Industry and Commerce Minister Raja Muhammad Siddiq detailing the operational capacities and land usage of various industrial estates in Mirpur and Muzaffarabad, emphasizing that these plots are reserved strictly for industrial purposes.
The session concluded with the acknowledgment of recent losses within the community, including personal losses of members and tragic events in the region, with prayers offered for all deceased.