MUZAFFARABAD: The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) government has slashed the ratio of taxes/fees on transfer of immovable properties by more than half to alleviate the burden on citizens, accelerate development, and encourage business and investment in the region, a minister announced on Thursday.

Minister for information, Pir Mazhar Saeed, told a news conference that the previous ratio of taxes/fees was around 27.5% and 39% for filers and non-filers, respectively, which had now been reduced to 14% for both categories.

“The freedom of Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir is our goal, and the development and prosperity of the liberated territory is our dream. God willing, both the goal and the dream will be achieved,” remarked the information minister, who was accompanied by minister for forests Akmal Hussain Sargalla and Secretary for forests and information Ansar Yaqoob.

Mr Saeed added that recently, 147 new doctors had been appointed in the health sector through the Public Service Commission, while approximately 3,000 teachers were recruited in the education sector through the National Testing Service.

He claimed that after assuming office, the government not only cleared Rs 11 billion in pending liabilities for development projects but also allocated funds for new initiatives to ensure the continued progress of development across the state.

He also pointed out that AJK offered the cheapest electricity and flour in the whole country.

In response to a question, the information minister said that under Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq’s directives, the taxation system was also being simplified.

Addressing a query, the minister for forests said the government was formulating a policy for the auction of fallen logs, which would take place in the near future.

He also highlighted the adverse effects of global warming worldwide and asserted that AJK had strictly banned the cutting of green trees. Efforts were underway to increase the region’s green area, he said.

Additionally, Mr Sargalla revealed that the AJK government would soon sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) regarding carbon credits.

Responding to another question, the information minister stated that the government had imposed Section 144 to ban the use of chainsaws for illicit timber felling. Secretary Ansar Yaqoob further added that the AJK prime minister had implemented a zero-tolerance policy on deforestation.

“The government is making every effort to ensure that no green trees are cut. Even in cases where development projects threaten green trees, multiple surveys are conducted to explore alternative methods to save those trees,” he said.

Published in Dawn, October 25th, 2024