MESSAGE FROM THE HONORABLE PRIME MINISTER AZAD GOVERNMENT OF THE STATE OF JAMMU & KASHMIR
Muzaffarabad, the Capital of Azad State of Jammu & Kashmir is in the centre of an urban transition due to high rate of urbanization, and this is being felt in all spheres of human life and pose challenges to the service providers to cater to the emerging needs especially for the public sector organizations. Muzaffarabad is currently home to 0.686 million, its population is expected to reach 0.730 million people in 2025. Muzaffarabad’s rapid urbanization and unplanned growth has led to numerous problems which adversely affect the life of its citizens. These range from: unplanned urban sprawl; inadequate, unsafe and unaffordable housing ; poor quality of basic civic services such as solid waste management, clean water and sanitation, access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport system for all, provision of universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces in particular for women, children, older persons and persons with disabilities; efforts to protect and safeguard Muzaffarabad’s cultural and natural heritage etc. Without addressing these problems, Muzaffarabad will not be able to harness the benefits of proper urbanizations.
It is however, there is a unique opportunity to make our cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable. Keeping in view the shifting trends of population and enormous urbanization, Azad Government of the State of Jammu & Kashmir has focused on sustainable cities & communities and urban development on top priorities.
The role of Development Authority Muzaffarabad (DAM) is very pivotal in Muzaffarabad’s social, economic, environmental and governance development. The Capital’s ability to achieve inclusive growth relies heavily on the performance of Development Authority Muzaffarabad. To resolve urban development challenges, it is imperative to ensure strengthening of systems, ensuring better integrated planning, using efficient resource management, accountability, improving governance and service delivery in the Development Authorities in AJ&K.
Through dedicated efforts, I am confident that Muzaffarabad Development Authority can set a leading example for other provinces/regions of Pakistan.
PTI Government is committed to elevate the living standards and well-being of the masses in the State.
SARDAR TANVEER ILYAS
PM AZAD KASHMIR