Azad Jammu & Kashmir

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.

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.