Pasban-e-Watan Pakistan Delegation Calls on AJK Prime Minister, Highlights Long-Standing Issues of Overseas Kashmiris

Islamabad:
A delegation of Pasban-e-Watan Pakistan, led by its Central President and former Minister for Tourism and Transport Muhammad Tahir Khokhar, met with the Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Faisal Mumtaz Rathore, to discuss critical and long-pending issues faced by overseas Kashmiris and residents of Mirpur.
The delegation, which included Vice President Noreen Noor, Secretary Information & Broadcasting Ahsan Rasheed Dar, Rehan Ahmed, Saad Khokhar, and other members, presented a detailed account of what it described as decades-long institutional neglect and exploitation, particularly by the Mirpur Development Authority (MDA) and the Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF) Housing Scheme.
During the meeting, the delegation explained that the OPF Housing Scheme—originally launched to safeguard the interests and future of overseas Kashmiris—remains largely incomplete even after 44 years. Despite repeated commitments, basic infrastructure and essential civic amenities have not been provided. Instead, large-scale violations of the approved master plan have occurred, including the construction of unauthorized farmhouses and the illegal conversion of land reserved for schools, parks, mosques, and other public welfare projects.
The delegation further highlighted that, through systematic manipulation of land records and “China cutting”, valuable public land earmarked for community use was unlawfully allotted to influential individuals. As a result, hundreds of kanals of public land have been encroached upon, adversely affecting urban planning and depriving both overseas Kashmiris and local residents of their fundamental civic rights.
Raising concerns about the Chattrapari Housing Scheme, Muhammad Tahir Khokhar stated that the scheme has been developed in clear violation of contractual obligations and the MDA Act of 1974. He noted that essential services such as water supply, electricity, sewerage, mosques, and schools have yet to be developed, while allottees continue to be charged substantial amounts annually under the heading of non-utilization charges, despite being unable to use their plots.
He emphasized that overseas Kashmiris have endured more than four decades of uncertainty, broken promises, and financial loss. Many families saw their life savings eroded and were denied the basic right to build homes on land legally allotted to them, while vested interests benefited from institutional failures and poor governance.
The delegation urged the Prime Minister to take decisive action by cancelling all illegal allotments made in violation of Supreme Court rulings, MOUs, and binding agreements; restoring land reserved for public and welfare purposes; and ensuring accountability of all officials and individuals involved. They stressed that such measures are essential to deliver meaningful relief to the affected families and to restore public confidence in state institutions.
Prime Minister Faisal Mumtaz Rathore assured the delegation that their concerns would be addressed with seriousness and transparency. He stated that no compromise would be made on matters affecting overseas Kashmiris and announced that impartial and comprehensive inquiries would be initiated. The Prime Minister requested detailed written submissions from the delegation and affirmed that a robust policy framework would be developed to prevent the recurrence of such issues.
He reiterated that overseas Kashmiris play a vital role in the economic development of the state and the country, adding that protecting their investments and trust is a fundamental responsibility of the government. He further confirmed that reforms within the MDA are underway and that the OPF Housing Scheme will be examined thoroughly, with legal action taken against those found responsible.
The Pasban-e-Watan Pakistan delegation expressed appreciation for the Prime Minister’s attentive hearing and constructive response, voicing hope that concrete steps would soon translate into justice and relief for the affected overseas Kashmiris and the people of Mirpur..