Azad Jammu & Kashmir

Muzaffarabad | ReNews Pakistan
The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) government has unveiled plans to develop new recreational and ecotourism parks, heritage sites and tourism facilities across Neelum Valley as part of its 100-day transformation programme aimed at strengthening the region’s tourism infrastructure and improving the visitor experience.
The proposed development initiative covers several of the valley’s prominent tourist destinations, including Keran, Sharda and Arang Kel, as well as other locations in the upper reaches of Neelum Valley.
AJK Tourism, Youth and Culture Secretary Ansar Yaqoob reviewed the proposed projects during an extensive visit to these areas, where he assessed existing tourism facilities and inspected locations identified for new recreational, ecotourism and heritage-related developments.
During the visit, officials also reviewed progress on plans for tourism villages and discussed measures designed to improve facilities for visitors while promoting the valley’s natural, cultural and historical attractions.
Assistant Director Tourism Malik Murtaza briefed the secretary on ongoing tourism activities, proposed development schemes and the facilities currently available at different destinations across the valley.
Officials said locations for recreational and ecotourism parks, heritage sites and proposed lease arrangements had been identified and finalised. Additional destinations are also being evaluated for possible inclusion in future tourism development plans.
The initiative is intended to diversify tourism activities in Neelum Valley beyond conventional sightseeing by developing recreational spaces and promoting ecotourism and heritage-based experiences. The approach is also expected to support more organised development in areas experiencing growing tourist activity.
The government is simultaneously planning reforms in the valley’s hospitality sector. Under the proposed arrangement, hotels and guesthouses operating across Neelum Valley will be brought under an integrated framework aimed at improving service standards and developing the hospitality industry along organised, safe and sustainable lines.
The initiative could help establish more consistent standards for accommodation and visitor services as tourist numbers continue to increase in some of the valley’s most popular destinations.
Yaqoob directed officials to accelerate work on tourism development projects in Keran, Sharda, Arang Kel and other areas of upper Neelum Valley and ensure timely progress on the schemes included in the government’s transformation programme.
Neelum Valley is one of AJK’s leading tourist regions, attracting visitors for its mountainous landscape, rivers, forests, villages and cultural heritage. The planned projects seek to build on these attractions by expanding recreational opportunities while placing greater emphasis on ecotourism, heritage conservation and sustainable tourism development.
The government’s broader objective is to strengthen tourism infrastructure while ensuring that future development remains compatible with the environmental and cultural character of the valley.

Muzaffarabad: [ReNews Pakistan]
A farewell ceremony was held at the Revenue Complex Muzaffarabad in honour of the Judicial Member Board of Revenue Chaudhry Mukhtar Hussain on the completion of his service and retirement. The ceremony was presided over by Senior Member Board of Revenue Sardar Muhammad Zafar Khan and attended by senior government officials, Board of Revenue authorities and a large number of staff members.
Additional Chief Secretary General Zaheeruddin Qureshi, Additional Inspector General of Police Muhammad Yasin Qureshi, Secretary Services Chaudhry Imtiaz Ahmed and other senior officers also attended the ceremony.
Speaking on the occasion, the participants paid glowing tribute to Chaudhry Mukhtar Hussain for his services to the Revenue Department, Board of Revenue and other departments. They said he performed his duties with honesty, seriousness and professional commitment throughout his career, setting a positive example in public service.
In his address, Senior Member Board of Revenue Sardar Muhammad Zafar Khan acknowledged Chaudhry Mukhtar Hussain’s services and praised his contribution to the department. He said Chaudhry Mukhtar Hussain not only played a responsible role in the Revenue Department and Board of Revenue, but also made significant contributions through reform-oriented initiatives aimed at institutional improvement. He also expressed best wishes for him after retirement.
In his farewell address, Chaudhry Mukhtar Hussain said he was retiring with peace of mind after more than 33 years of successful public service, for which he was grateful to Allah Almighty.

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.