PM directs to constitute committee on Neelum-Jhelum project

MUZAFFARABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed concerned authorities to constitute a high-level committee for consultation over matters related to the Neelum-Jhelum hydropower project.

Addressing the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Cabinet in Muzaffarabad today, the prime minister said the committee comprising senior officials from federal and AJK governments will finalize the short, mid and long-term plans within the next two weeks

The PM directed the officials concerned to immediate and earliest possible completion of the bridge at Mangla Phase II, so no chaotic elements can ever misuse and exploit this little incomplete portion of the bridge for their sordid political gains.

He said the federal and AJK governments will hold discussions soon after the IMF team leaves the country to finally settle the pending issues so no such incident as a recent protest in AJK arises again.

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Shehbaz Sharif also expressed condolences over the death of civilians and police personnel during the protests and announced a package for the heirs of Shuhada.

He said the funds worth Rs23 billion announced by the federal government for Azad Kashmir have been transferred into the AJK government account.

He said the development and prosperity of Pakistan is directly linked with the prosperity of Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

It is pertinent to mention here that the 969 MW-Neelum Jhelum Hydropower Project had started electricity generation in April 2018.