MUZAFFARABAD(National Times)- Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Prime Minister Iftikhar Gillani on Wednesday directed the bureaucracy to gear up for implementation of the government’s 100-day reform agenda, saying his foremost priority was to introduce systemic reforms to ease the difficulties of the common man and create new opportunities.
Speaking at his first meeting with government secretaries at the Prime Minister’s Secretariat, Mr Gillani said his government had come to serve the people and its performance would be visible “on the ground”.
“Our foremost priority is to bring reforms to the system, create ease for the common man and generate new opportunities,” he said, adding that the government would address the challenges facing the state with the cooperation of the bureaucracy.
He said the administrative machinery had important responsibilities in translating government policies into tangible results and stressed the need for collective efforts.
“The success of any government largely depends on the efficiency, commitment and sense of responsibility of its administrative machinery. I expect the AJK bureaucracy to work with dedication and a sense of urgency to implement the reform agenda in letter and spirit,” he said.
Mr Gillani said the government would provide all necessary support to officials to deliver meaningful reforms and improve public service delivery.
He said unemployment was a major challenge in the state and announced plans to introduce a youth engagement programme and demand-based skills development programmes in the social sector.
He also promised relief to people in transport and healthcare services, saying measures would be taken on a priority basis to reduce their difficulties.
‘Practical measures’
The prime minister said the government was committed to translating its reform programme into practical measures and making its impact visible to the people. He said the 100-day agenda also demonstrated the seriousness of the party’s central leadership towards AJK.
Separately, the prime minister attended briefings by Chief Secretary Khushal Khan and Inspector General of Police (IGP) retired Capt Liaqat Ali Malik on the organisational structures of the Services and General Administration Department and the police department, respectively.
The IGP also briefed the prime minister on the department’s performance and future needs, as well as the overall law and order situation in the territory.
Earlier, upon his arrival at the Prime Minister’s Secretariat, Mr Gillani was received by his principal secretary and officers and staff of the secretariat.
