Azad Kashmir (Pakistan administered Kashmir) prime minister along with Chief Secretary Muhammad Usman Chachar, Special Assistant Raja Sabeel Riaz, and Media Advisor Sardar Zahid Tabsum visited the Turkish Embassy in Pakistan’s Islamabad on Friday.

The Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir Sardar Tanveer Ilyas Khan handed over a relief check of 2 million dollars for the earthquake victims of Turkey to the Ambassador of Turkey Dr. Mehmet Pachachi.

On this occasion, Prime Minister Sardar Tanveer Ilyas Khan prayed for the earthquake martyrs. Speaking to the Turkish ambassador, Prime Minister Sardar Tanveer Ilyas Khan said that the Kashmiri people and Turkey are one and the same, the Kashmiri people will stand with their Turkish brothers and sisters in times of trouble.

In the 2005 Kashmir earthquake, Turkey generously supported the Kashmiri people.  He said that the situation is very difficult, but the determination of the Turkish nation is strong, Turkey under the leadership of Recep Tayyip Erdogan will quickly overcome the difficulties after the earthquake. Expressing solidarity on behalf of the people.

The government of Azad Kashmir stands side by side with the people. The Kashmiri nation has seen the terrible devastation of the catastrophic earthquake in 2005. In this earthquake, Turkey has been the first friend and sympathizer of Pakistan and Kashmiris. giving proof of all the help and guidance in the restoration which we always value and remember.

He said that the red-colored buildings built in the capital Muzaffarabad are a reflection of the indelible friendship between Pakistan and Turkey.

Prime Minister Sardar Tanveer Ilyas Khan said that we pray that this relationship of love and brotherhood between the two countries and nations will always remain and that the Almighty will give the people of Turkey the courage to cope with the difficult situations after the earthquake.

The Prime Minister of Azad Kashmir said that we are with you as the elected representatives of the Kashmiri people We are saddened, and we share the grief with our brothers for the loss of life and property as a result of this terrible disaster.

Azad Kashmir government has also established a fund to help the people of Turkey, while our volunteers and welfare organizations are also coming forward to help the people of Turkey and Syria. Azad Kashmir Prime Minister Sardar Tanveer Ilyas Khan gave a message to the President of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan. He said that we pray that the people of Turkey complete the work of reconstruction and rehabilitation as soon as possible.

The Ambassador of Turkey to Pakistan Dr. Mehmet Pachachachi thanked the Prime Minister and the ministers included in the delegation, the Chief Secretary of Azad Kashmir, and other delegations and encouraged the people of Kashmir and Pakistan. Thank you for the financial and technical support.

In which District Magistrate Muzaffarabad, District Magistrate Jhelum Valley, SSP Muzaffarabad, SP Special Branch, SP Neelum Jhelum, Assistant Commissioner Athamqam, Project Director Kohala Project, Project Director Neelum Jhelum, Project Director Paterend Project, Project Director Jagran Phase II, and Phase IV attended. The Commissioner, while reviewing Security Foreigners, said that after the recent terrorist incidents in Peshawar and Karachi, more steps need to be taken to improve the security of Foreigners. Checking should be done effectively at all the entry points of Muzaffarabad.

All information and accommodation of foreign tourists entering the Muzaffarabad division should be entered. Effective measures should be implemented for the security and peaceful residence of foreign people working in all ongoing projects in the division.

The representatives of all the projects were instructed to provide bulletproof vehicles, jackets, and helmets to the security personnel so that there is no loss of life in any unfortunate incident.

Earlier, a decision will be taken in the meeting chaired by the Chief Secretary. Full implementation should be ensured. The relevant police station and special branch should be informed before the transportation of foreign nationals and then clearance should be done. CCTV rooms should be installed at the residences of foreign nationals and regular security monitoring should be carried out.

There should be regular entry and transportation of foreigners working and visiting the residences and projects. No person will be allowed to disturb the law and order situation in this division. Strict action will be taken against the person doing so. The commissioner Muzaffarabad division thanked all the participants and the meeting ended.

Legal Actions and Enforcement

In a statement, Minister Chaudhry Muhammad Akmal highlighted that significant steps are being taken to curb timber smuggling and enforce a strict ban on chainsaws. A new law has been enacted to ensure that individuals caught using chainsaws illegally will be severely punished.

“The punishment for those who engage in such destructive activities will be severe. We are taking concrete steps to end timber smuggling and have implemented strict laws against the use of chainsaws,” the minister stated.

Importance of Afforestation

Minister Chaudhry Muhammad Akmal also stressed the critical need for afforestation in response to the global warming crisis. He called for increased public participation in tree planting efforts to combat rising temperatures and promote a cleaner, greener Azad Kashmir.

“Due to global warming, temperatures are rising worldwide. Plantation is indispensable for mitigating this. The Forestry Department, along with the public, is ensuring maximum plantation efforts and raising awareness about the importance of trees. Together, we must plant more trees to make Azad Kashmir green and beautiful,” he said.

Impact of Forest Fires

The minister expressed deep concern over the recent forest fires that have caused significant damage to the region’s forests. He noted that these fires not only destroy valuable forest resources but also pose a threat to people, wildlife, and other insects.

“Forest fires have caused irreparable damage to our forests, endangering both wildlife and humans. We are cracking down on those responsible for these fires and will punish them severely. Public cooperation is crucial to protect our forests from such disasters,” he added.

Government Initiatives

The current government has initiated several concrete measures to protect Azad Kashmir’s forests. These include forming Public Protection Forest Committees to educate the public about the importance of forest conservation and to gather community input on effective forest management strategies.

“The region of Azad Kashmir is very fertile, and the future of our children depends on these trees. The only way to combat climate change is through robust afforestation efforts. We are working on an effective plan to protect and plant forests across Azad Kashmir, with the involvement of local communities and committees,” the minister concluded.

In a special interview with journalists, Minister Chaudhry Muhammad Akmal reiterated the government’s dedication to forest conservation and the implementation of effective, community-based strategies to ensure the safety and growth of fores