MUZAFFARABAD: Azad Jammu and Kashmir’s (AJK) Minister for Forests, Wildlife and Fisheries Waqar Ahmed Noor on Monday said protection, promotion and effective management of forests were among the government’s priorities and directed officials to improve the department’s performance and promptly address any shortcomings.

He was speaking during his first visit to the Directorate of Reforestation, Mirpur, after assuming charge of the portfolio.

Mr Noor was briefed on the forest department’s administrative affairs, protection and maintenance of forests, afforestation, restoration of natural forests, management of forest resources and ongoing development projects.

The minister was also briefed about the targets of various projects, progress made so far, monitoring mechanisms and the department’s future course of action, besides activities being undertaken under the UGPP.

Preparations for the first 100 days of AJK government reviewed

The briefing covered measures for promoting afforestation, ensuring the survival of saplings, establishing nurseries, protecting forests from fires, preventing illegal logging, involving local communities and using modern technology to monitor forestry projects.

Speaking on the occasion, the minister said the forests of the liberated territory were a valuable asset of the state and their protection, promotion and effective management required concerted efforts.

Mr Noor said that steps would be taken to further improve the department’s performance and that the problems confronting it would be reviewed and practical measures taken for their resolution.

He directed that any negligence found at the administrative or field level should be rectified immediately, adding that all available resources would be utilised to bring about improvement.

Separately, Mr Noor chaired a briefing on the affairs of the Wildlife and Fisheries Department. Director of Wildlife and Fisheries Naeem Iftikhar Dar briefed the minister on departmental affairs.

100-day transformation programme

Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Prime Minister Iftikhar Gillani on Monday said the PML-N government’s 100-day reform plan would provide a roadmap for public service delivery and good governance, with a focus on projects yielding immediate benefits to people.

He was speaking at a meeting held in Kashmir House to review targets, the roadmap and preparations for the first 100 days of the government.

Mr Gillani said the government would accelerate development in AJK on the pattern of Punjab and focus on projects whose benefits could reach people directly within a short period.

He said the government’s measures would ensure that the benefits of development reached every household.

He said the government was committed to ushering in a new era of development and public welfare in AJK. The AJK prime minister said the PML-N-led government would soon launch its 100-day transformation programme and accelerate efforts to make AJK more developed, prosperous and modern.

Published in Dawn, September 8th, 2026