Azad Jammu & Kashmir

Muzaffarabad | ReNews Pakistan
The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) government has approved 44 development projects aimed at strengthening infrastructure, enhancing public services, and promoting digital skills across the region. The initiatives carry an estimated cost of Rs34.85 billion and were cleared during a meeting of the Cabinet Development Committee chaired by Prime Minister Raja Faisal Mumtaz Rathore.
Officials said a significant portion of the development package is dedicated to the communications and works sector, with a strong emphasis on expanding and upgrading the road network. The projects include the construction of link roads across various constituencies to improve connectivity, particularly in remote and underserved areas.
The approved plan also prioritizes youth development through the establishment of IT excellence centres designed to equip young people with modern digital skills, improve employment prospects, and support broader technological growth in the region.
In addition, the package includes initiatives to strengthen public services in key sectors such as health and education. These projects involve upgrading healthcare facilities, improving school infrastructure, and constructing additional classrooms to address capacity needs.
Officials stated that the development strategy is designed to bridge infrastructure gaps and improve access to essential services for both urban and rural populations across AJK, aligning with wider efforts to accelerate regional development and raise living standards.

Pattoki: Sadaf Arshad District Coordinator | ReNews Pakistan
The Pattoki administration has completed preparations for a major operation aimed at beautifying the city and removing encroachments. Shopkeepers in key areas, including Chouri Market, Gol Market, Municipal Market, Railway Road, and Galla Mandi, have been given a two-day ultimatum to vacate Market Committee shops, failing which demolition proceedings will commence.
This initiative is being carried out under the vision of Maryam Nawaz Sharif and the special directives of the District Administration of Kasur. According to Assistant Commissioner Pattoki, Nishtar Rehman Lodhi, measures will be taken to compensate affected shopkeepers and provide alternative facilities, while the issues of citizens and traders will be addressed on a priority basis.
Meanwhile, a delegation led by the President of the Registered Pattoki Press Club, Ubaidullah Sheikh, met with the Assistant Commissioner to highlight traders’ concerns and urge prompt resolution of urgent issues. Following the announcement of the possible operation, a wave of concern has spread among shopkeepers and citizens in the city.

Muzaffargarh: Husnain Aulakh, Special Correspondent | ReNews Pakistan
During the visit, the performance of the Public Health Engineering Department was appreciated, and the Secretary Housing was briefed that the project is moving swiftly toward completion. It was informed that 350 ponds, tube wells, and harvesting pits will be completed by February 28. Noor-ul-Amin Mengal directed that the construction of dykes be completed at the earliest and instructed that dyke compaction must strictly meet approved standards. He emphasized ensuring quality construction for civil installations and ordered the immediate commencement of excavation work on the 21-kilometer main drain.
The Secretary Housing further directed that additional machinery and labor be deployed to accelerate the pace of work and instructed the contractor to ensure full compliance with both quality and quantity standards. He also directed the Public Health Engineering Department and FWO to strictly adhere to the given timeline. The Secretary Housing stated that timely completion of the project is among the priorities of the Government of Punjab and that the promotion of the blue economy is a significant step toward economic improvement in the province. He added that, under the directions of the Chief Minister Punjab, the relevant departments are making full efforts to ensure the successful completion of the project.