KOTLI, Azad Kashmir — Chaudhry Muhammad Rafiq Nayar, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister of Azad Kashmir for Information, Small Industries Corporation, and Environment, delivered an impactful address at the District Press Club’s swearing-in ceremony for newly elected officials of 2022-23. Nayar lauded the government’s achievements, offered support to journalists, and discussed the challenges faced by the region.
In a gathering attended by a diverse group of dignitaries, including President Khuerta Press Club Azhar Malik, President Anjuman Tajran Yaqoob Malik, and PTI leader Mubasher Tufail, Nayar emphasized the significance of successfully conducting local elections despite financial constraints and security concerns.
Nayar highlighted the government’s commitment to transforming Azad Kashmir into a welfare state under the leadership of Prime Minister Tanveer Ilyas Khan. Despite financial challenges and limited support from the central government, they fulfilled their commitment to hold local body elections.
The Special Assistant acknowledged the difficulties they faced in obtaining security and funds for local elections from the federal government. He stressed that the people had the right to these funds and assured that the Press Foundation would soon receive the allocated five crores, with an additional five million to be provided to newspaper vendors.
Nayar also pledged to address the issue of the press building in Khoi Ratta and condemned Indian atrocities in Occupied Kashmir, asserting that India could not take control of the region through coercion.
Regarding advertisements, Nayar announced the implementation of a uniform system for all districts, ensuring fair distribution, and support for local journalism.
Nayar reiterated the government’s unwavering support for journalists and encouraged them to organize and unite. He praised the government’s efforts in conducting local elections after a three-decade hiatus, despite financial constraints and a lack of federal government support. He assured that all problems related to the journalist colony and the budget of the Press Foundation would be resolved.
Looking to the future, Nayar promised to remodel the press club building and make additional announcements for its development, ensuring a brighter future for journalists in the region.
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