MUZAFFARABAD: In the wake of the recent wave of terrorist attacks in Pakistan, the AJK government has beefed up the security of foreign nationals, particularly the Chinese workers of different mega projects, as well as vigilance of areas along the Line of Control (LoC) to avert any untoward incident in the region.

The step was taken in the light of a decision to this effect by Prime Minister Sardar Tanveer Ilays, who presided over four meetings in succession on Thursday on his first day in the PM secretariat after assuming office last week.

According to a press release, the prime minister directed the law enforcement agencies toensure the safety of life and property of all foreigners,in particular theChineseengineers working in different areas of the state.

The prime minister maintained that since India had always been found involved in terrorist activities in Pakistan, the security related agencies shouldkeep a close eye on the enemy’sactivitiesin the areas adjacent tothe unmarked dividing line in Kashmir.

They were also directed toensure foolproof vigilance ofall entry and exitpoints of the territory.

The meeting was informed by police chief Dr Sohail Habib Tajik that safety measures had already been augmented in the state to stave off any untoward incident on the auspicious occasion of Eidul Fitr.

Earlier, at the formal introductory session withthe secretariesto the government, PM Ilyas underscored the need for evolvinga sustainable policy for effective service delivery in the state.

Outlining his government’s future course of action, he asserted that merit-based appointments would be the priority of his government.

He maintained that since the government wassupposedto take steps for the well-being of people, every department and institution should take steps to provide relief to the common men and improve the quality of their lives.

Separately, while thrashing out thecontours of the forthcoming budget, the premier told the secretaries concerned thatample fundsshould be spared for developmental activities.

Emphasizing the need of an effective physical monitoring regime, he announced that he would himself inspect development projects and take a briefing on the spot.

He declared that the government had constituted a“Good Governance Committee”(GGC)under the Legislative Assembly Speaker Chaudhry Anwarul Haq for provision of guidance and consultations to it regarding the improvement of governance in the region.

Published in Dawn, April 29th, 2022