President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir Pledges Reform in Mirpur Development Authority

Mirpur (Azadi Times) – The President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Barrister Sultan Mahmood Chaudhry, has vowed to restore public confidence in the Mirpur Development Authority (MDA), an institution originally established for the resettlement of Mangala Dam victims. Over the years, the MDA has faced significant criticism and public distrust due to allegations of mismanagement and corruption.

In response to these issues, a new committee has been formed under the leadership of Mirpur Institutional Development Minister Chaudhry Arshad Hussain. This committee will investigate the allocation of 362 plots within the Mirpur Development Authority (MDA). The committee comprises four members of the assembly—Chaudhry Yasir Sultan, Chaudhry Azhar Sadiq, Chaudhry Qasim Majeed—along with the DGMDA, Secretary PPH, and Commissioner, with overall supervision by the Chief Secretary of Azad Kashmir.

During a meeting to discuss the future of the MDA, President Sultan Mahmood Chaudhry emphasized the need for accountability and transparency. He called for a thorough investigation into past irregularities and corruption within the authority agency, with cases being referred to the appropriate accountability and anti-corruption authorities.

“The MDA has been plagued by issues for too long. We will implement a strategy to correct these defects and restore the authority’s credibility,” stated President Sultan Mahmood. He stressed that there will be no compromise on corruption and no leniency towards those involved in past misdeeds.

Reflecting on his personal connection to the Mangala Dam project, President Sultan Mahmood noted that he, his father, and his son—all elected members of the assembly—had never benefited from the Mirpur Development Authority (MDA), underscoring their commitment to integrity and public service.

The meeting was attended by key officials, including Chief Secretary Azad Kashmir Muhammad Usman Chachar, Minister of Energy and Water Resources Chaudhry Arshad Hussain, Minister of Physical Planning and Housing Chaudhry Yasir Sultan, Minister of Public Works and Communications Chaudhry Azhar Sadiq, and Assembly Member Chaudhry Qasim Majeed. These officials provided a detailed briefing on the current state and future plans for the MDA.

President Sultan Mahmood instructed the officers to work diligently to restore public trust in the MDA. “The public has high expectations from us. We must eliminate corruption and irregularities to ensure the protection of the rights of allottees. The authority must no longer be seen as secondary; it is time to rectify its reputation,” he asserted.

The President concluded by emphasizing the importance of law and order in all institutional developments, ensuring that the MDA operates transparently and effectively moving forward.