MUZAFFARABAD: Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq on Monday urged the people of Poonch division to shift from a culture of protests to one of constructive engagement, in order to unlock the rich tourism potential of their scenic area.

While meeting a delegation of businesspersons in Rawalakot, the AJK prime minister assured them that he would address the demands of the division within the available resources, but emphasised that the public must also support the government in fostering prosperity and contributing to development efforts.

The delegation was led by CEO of Gulf Empire Sardar Shazib Shabbir.

“This region was liberated by your forefathers, who were renowned for their hospitality. You must revive their spirit to regain the area’s lost stature. The resolution of Poonch’s issues lies in a change of attitudes,” Mr Haq said.

Poonch division, particularly Rawalakot, its divisional and district headquarters, has witnessed extensive protests, including prolonged sit-ins, as part of a rights movement led by the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee.

The prime minister’s visit was apparently aimed at easing tensions in the division. In addition to the business delegation, he attended several other events, including one hosted by the District Bar Association (DBA).

Speaking to the business community, Mr Haq described Poonch as “nothing short of a paradise” for tourists, with all necessary facilities in place.

“Tourism will create new employment opportunities for our people, but due to certain cultural attitudes, we have not yet realised its full potential,” Mr Haq said, pointing out that there were more protests in this region than anywhere else.

Calling for dialogue and collaboration to promote a healthy, positive mindset, he said: “Those protesting and following negative policies should be encouraged to join the effort for the region’s development.”

“If we start and end with dialogue, this region can become a model in every respect,” he added.

Referring to the road leading to Toli Peer, a 9,000-foot-high tourist destination, Mr Haq called it a “game-changer” for the area, expected to not only boost tourism but also generate significant revenue.

Citing Neelum Valley as an example, which attracted over 300,000 tourists in the recent season, the prime minister said: “If the people of Poonch improve their behaviour, we can draw even more tourists here.”

He also stressed the importance of protecting the famous Banjosa Lake from sewage contamination and highlighted the government’s priority of providing clean drinking water to Rawalakot and its surrounding areas.

“Today, people are suffering from diseases due to the use of contaminated water. Had there been better planning, we would not be facing this situation,” he said.

Meanwhile, at a reception hosted by former Pearl Development Authority Chairman Sardar Arshad Niazi in Kharrick, the AJK prime minister underscored the need for tolerance in politics.

“Politics is not about sowing discord, but about uniting hearts,” he said.

While affirming that the state was a “mother” to all ideologies, he expressed his full support for those advocating Kashmir’s accession to Pakistan, saying, “we will not allow the ideology of accession to weaken under any circumstances”.

According to an official press release, the reception was also addressed by Sardar Arshad Khan, “supreme head” of the Transport Union, who announced that there would never be a complete wheel-jam strike in the area that could impede development and tourism.

Welcoming this announcement, the prime minister said such attitudes would help accelerate progress.

At the DBA event held in a hotel, the prime minister announced a grant of Rs3 million for the bar. Later, he also visited Poonch Medical College Rawalakot and a football academy in Dharaik.

Published in Dawn, October 15th, 2024