Rathore vows accelerated development as he launches road projects in Haveli

Claiming that his government was committed to providing basic facilities “at people’s doorsteps,” Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Prime Minister Chaudhry Faisal Mumtaz Rathore on Saturday laid the foundation stones of two road projects in his native Haveli district. 

At a ceremony held at Mahmood Gali, the premier launched the Mahmood Gali-Kahuta double carriageway project, saying it would play a key role in the area’s development and provide safe and quality travel facilities to the public. 

Under the first phase of the project, a 16-kilometre double carriageway will be constructed at a cost of over Rs615 million. 

Officials said the project was expected to reduce traffic congestion and facilitate tourism, business and other economic activities in the region. 

During his visit to Haveli, Mr Rathore also laid the foundation stone of a 10-kilometre road project from Lasdanna to Shero Dhara. 

A large number of political and social figures, as well as local residents, attended the ceremonies. 

Speaking on the occasion, Prime Minister Rathore said the Pakistan Peoples Party government was taking concrete steps to provide basic facilities to people at their doorsteps and ensure balanced development across all regions of AJK. 

He said improved road infrastructure was essential for economic growth, better connectivity and easier access to education, healthcare and markets, particularly for residents of far-flung areas. 

He said the road projects would also help promote tourism and business activities in the remote district and create new economic opportunities for local residents. 

Mr Rathore said Haveli district had long suffered due to “ruthless Indian shelling,” adding that its rehabilitation and facelift were a responsibility of all those entrusted with decision-making authority.

“The people of Haveli have always showered me with love and affection, and in return I have tried to serve them to the best of my abilities,” he said. 

“As soon as I got the authority to make decisions, I did not waste any time in using my pen for the welfare of the people, not only in my constituency but across the state,” he said.

The premier expressed confidence that the PPP would return to power in the forthcoming elections and continue its “mission of public service with greater vigour and commitment.”