SHANGLA: Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit-Baltistan and Safron Eng Amir Muqam has said that several mega projects are in the pipeline for Shangla district and would be executed during his current tenure.

He stated this while speaking at the inaugural ceremony of a National Database and Registration Authority centre established in his hometown of Puran on Sunday.

Addressing a large public gathering, he paid tribute to Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) and his companions for standing firm against tyranny in difficult times and making unparalleled sacrifices. He said that all Muslims held their sacrifices in great esteem.

Mr Muqam said under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the present government had achieved several economic goals, and the next priority was to provide maximum relief to people.

He emphasised that Pakistan was their home, and the development and prosperity of the country must be everyone’s top priority.

Muqam said by the grace of Allah, the commitment of civil and military leadership, and the valour of the armed forces, Pakistan achieved victory over a larger country like India. He congratulated the entire nation on this success and said that after this ‘battle for truth’, a ‘new’ Pakistan had emerged on the world map, and the value of the green passport had ‘risen’ globally.

He said Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir was their pride for the way he led and defeated the enemy. He said the enemy still sought opportunities to attack Pakistan, but the close coordination between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, along with the spirit of the armed forces and the people, would foil all such attempts.

The federal minister criticised the provincially ruling PTI, saying the party’s narrative — that the civil and military leadership and the people of Pakistan are not on the same page — had failed. He said Pakistan’s dignity would endure because of the unity between civil and military leadership.

Addressing PTI workers, he asked, “You were taken to Islamabad for Imran Khan’s release, but where did your leader flee in difficult times — boarding a helicopter?”

Criticising PTI’s policy on Imran’s release, Eng Muqam said, “Your agenda is against Pakistan. Imran is facing cases in courts — go to courts, fight your case. Instead of confrontation, seek legal recourse. If he is innocent, he will be set free.”

“Our youth also want interest-free loans on merit like in Punjab, laptops, and development. But these people are busy distributing funds among themselves. A day will come when, under the leadership of PML-N, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will also move forward,” he said.

Muqam highlighted his development projects in Shangla, especially in Puran, and assured the public that their remaining demands would soon be met.

Published in Dawn, July 8th, 2025