MIRPUR: Praising the legal fraternity for its vibrant role in the uplift of all spheres of life, Azad Jammu and Kashmir Prime Minister Anwaar ul Haq Chaudhry said that lawyers happen to be the most powerful section of our society.
He was talking to a lawyer’s delegation, led by President Nasir Masood Mughal Advocate, in the state metropolis.
Speaking on this occasion, the AJK premier said that lawyers’ role was crucial for the delivery of speedy and inexpensive justice to those in need, the supremacy of the constitution, and the rule of law in any society.The welfare of the downtrodden sections of society, he said, was his government’s first priority.
The delegation was comprised, besides the president, Waqar Farooq Abbasi, Advocate for the CBA Secretary General, Khawaja Amir Rashid, Advocate for Joint Secretary, ShaziaKayani, Advocate for Finance, and SardarRamzan, Advocate for Information.
On this occasion, the CBA President congratulated the PM on the approval of the Social Protection Ordinance.
Chaudhry Anwar ul Haq has said that the approval of the Social Protection Ordinance was an important milestone towards ending a sense of deprivation amongst economically less-privileged sections of society in AJK.
He expressed these views while addressing the Azad Jammu and Kashmir State Legislative Assembly Session shortly after the House approved the landmark Social Protection of Vulnerable Population Ordinance 2024 in its ongoing season held in the state metropolis.
Terming the legislative body as the biggest defender of the people’s fundamental rights, the PM said, “If someone dared to tamper with the endowment fund, he will be taught a lesson”. He expressed that the government has dealt with every kind of mafia and their patrons with an iron hand.
Meanwhile, the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) government has set up the Social Protection Endowment Fund with an initial allocation of Rs 9.12 billion to provide financial assistance to vulnerable segments of the society including widows, orphans, transgender and elderly people.
The AJK Legislative Assembly approved a supplementary grant of Rs 9.12 billion for the purpose. Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs Mian Abdul Waheed also tabled “The Azad Jammu and Kashmir Social Protection of Vulnerable Population Ordinance, 2024″ in the House which was referred to the respective committee for further deliberations.
The minister also moved a motion for withdrawing the earlier bill namely- The Azad Jammu and Kashmir Subsistence Allowance for Widows and Orphans (Amendment) Act, 2021, which was accorded approval by the House.
In the new law, the financial assistance has been extended to the vulnerable segments of the society including transgenders and helpless elderly people who were confined to the widows and orphans in the earlier law and a huge amount has been allocated for the purpose.
