Prime Minister of Azad Jammu Kashmir Sardar Tanveer Ilyas has stated that Central Development Working Party (CDWP) has given approval of Rs. 30 billion mega development projects out of Saudi Development Fund (SDF) for the progress and development of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). While addressing a press conference, he viewed that these mega projects would be turned out to be a milestone in the development and poserity of entire AJK. PM while giving details of the projects said that under the SDF Rs. 11.2743 billion had been earmarked for 48 MW Shounter hydropower project, 6.614 billion for 22 MW Jagran IV hydropower project, while 12 billion rupees had been sanctioned for the construction of 3.7KM tunnel from Kamsar to Kahori and 0.6 km long Chilpani tunnel on Muzaffarabad-Athmuqam Road, these mega development projects, he said, would prove to be significant milestones in the region’s development history.

The provision of Saudi funds at this difficult time, he said, was no less than a breath of fresh air for the people of Azad Kashmir. Likewise, Rs 6.51 billion for Neelum project, Rs 12 billion for the construction work of three kilometer tunnel from Kamasar to Kahorai on Muzaffarabad Athmuqam road. Responding a question, he reiterated that provision of funds from Saudi Arabia was like a fresh air for the people of entire AJK.  Responding another question, he stated that required land for Jhargran IV (22MW) Hydropower project has been taken from the financial resources of AJK government. Initial signature of loan agreement has been singed between Economic Affairs Division and SDF in this respect, he added. Moreover, he stated that the PC-1 of Shounter power project has been already approved from central working party. He said that a heavy amount has also allocated for formation of transmission lines linking the electricity of this project to Muzaffarabad grid station. He stated that after the completion of this mega project the electricity problems of AJK capital Muzaffarabad would solve permanently.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan-INP