MUZAFFARABAD, Oct 20: AJK prime minister Sardar Sikandar Hayat Khan on Saturday asked the government employees’ organizations to help the government enforce the rule of law and merit in every field of life.

He also stressed upon them to work for the collective benefit instead of focusing their attention on postings, promotions and individual problems.

The premier expressed these views at the oath-taking ceremony of the Azad Kashmir Foresters and Forest Guards Association, here at a local hotel. Earlier, he administered oath to the newly elected office-bearers of the association.

“My government is determined to establish the rule of law and merit and make good of the wrong-doings of the past. To undertake this ostensibly arduous task I need full co-operation of the government employees and their associations,” he said.

The prime minister pointed out that the responsibility of the government servants was much more than those affiliated with private sector and therefore they must ensure the uplift and welfare of the common lot.

Stressing that the national interest must reign supreme, he said the country was passing through a critical phase which warranted that the individuals and organizations particularly in public sector must discharge their duties with honesty, efficiency and commitment for the collective benefit.

With reference to his recent visit to Neelum Valley, the prime minister regretted that the government employees had not done an effective job in rehabilitating, consoling and resolving the problems of the people of the Indian firing ridden area.

“The government servants should not need to be told that what they have to do and what not. They are supposed and paid to serve the masses without being asked,” he said.

Stating that the forests were the major source of Azad Kashmir’s income he underscored the need for concrete measures to preserve this wealth.

“Preservation of the forests becomes more essential in view of the looming threat of power crisis in our country,” he said, adding that the role of the forest department employees was vital in this regard.

The prime minister also called for enforcing austerity in every sector saying such an attitude could lead the nation towards self-reliance at the earliest. In this connection, he said he had preferred the use of small vehicles instead of buying luxury Pajeros.

Talking about the threats being hurled by Indian leaders, he said the people of Azad Kashmir were prepared to offer any sacrifice for the security and stability of their area and Pakistan.

The threats of Indian leaders and unprovoked shelling of the AJK villages could not frighten the Kashmiris, the prime minister said and added that the territory of Azad Kashmir would prove “graveyard of Indian soldiers” if they opted for any misadventure across the Line of Control.

The AJK premier also drew the attention of the international community towards India’s repressive measures in the held territory and said it was high time the world should play its role in ridding the Kashmiris of Indian terrorism and pave the way for a lasting peace in South Asia.

Earlier, the AJK minister for forests, agriculture and tourism Mufti Mansoorur Rehman who also spoke on the occasion, assured that the performance of the forests department would be improved to the satisfaction of the masses.