Residents of Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir Demand Better Roads

In Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), local residents and leaders recently held a press conference to voice their concerns about the poor state of roads in the region. Despite the area’s natural beauty, many scenic destinations remain inaccessible due to bad road conditions.

Budget Issues

Raja Abdul Hafeed, a local resident, pointed out that although 6 billion PKR was allocated for the Highways Department, no funds have been used for road repairs. He mentioned that during the Prime Minister’s visit to Bagh, it was confirmed that this allocation would be made. However, the budget book shows no funds were allocated for their roads.

Widespread Neglect

The neglect is evident in the recent budget allocation, where only 6 billion PKR were assigned to the highways department from a total budget of 264 billion PKR. No funds have been used to repair the road connecting Bagh, a crucial area in the region. Even in Muzaffarabad, potholes are found every few meters, highlighting the severity of the situation.

Unfinished Projects

Hafeed also mentioned a one-kilometer road in the Sudhan Gali area, for which the tender was approved three years ago. Upon visiting the site, they found that no work had been done.

Impact on Economy and Services

Poor infrastructure limits economic growth and investment opportunities in PoJK. Industries like tourism, agriculture, and small-scale manufacturing are affected by unreliable transportation routes. This also impacts job creation and income generation for local residents. Additionally, inadequate infrastructure affects the delivery of essential services such as healthcare, education, and public utilities, making it difficult for schools, hospitals, and other critical facilities to operate efficiently.