MUZAFFARABAD: The 67th anniversary of the foundation of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) government was celebrated in the region on Friday, but in a lackluster environment.

The main event of the day was a police parade at the Police Lines, with AJK President Sardar Mohammad Yaqoob Khan the chief guest.

However, ironically, none of the 25 cabinet members and other public office holders, such as speaker, deputy speaker and ruling party legislators, could spare time to attend the function.

Speaking on the occasion, President Khan condemned shelling by Indian troops from across the Line of Control and Working Boundary and asked New Delhi to exercise restraint to save the region from a big disaster. He maintained that the responsibilities of the government and the administration had increased manifolds in the face of Indian aggression.

The president said the liberation of the AJK territory was not happened by chance but as a result of revolt against the despotic Dogra ruler by indigenous people.

He, however, acknowledged that the objectives set at the time of foundation of a free government in the liberated territory could not be adequately achieved.

“It’s the duty of the government of the base camp (AJK) to ensure good governance and make all institutions work for the welfare of the people and for early success of the freedom struggle on the other side of the divide,” he said.

He also underlined the need of provision of speedy justice to the people, stressing that government officials should act as servants of the people rather than their masters. Flanked by IGP Malik Khuda Bakhash Awan, the president inspected the parade and took salute from the smartly turned out police contingents. The police commandoes also exhibited their skills on the occasion, amid rounds of applause by the audience.

Published in Dawn, October 25th , 2014