AJK PM lays foundation stone of Rs. 906.84 million Highway project in Poonch

MIRPUR (AJK) , (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point news - 18th May, 2026) Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Prime Minister (PM) Faisal Mumtaz Rathore on Sunday laid the foundation stone of Rs. 906.840 million Soan Manjhari-Tarakhel Highway project in Poonch division of AJK.

The project was revived on the special directives of the PM after having been shelved for years, APP AJK correspondent reported on Sunday.

The 12.75 kilometer highway project has been approved at an estimated cost of Rs. 906.840 million and is scheduled to be completed within three years. Funds for the project will be allocated in the current Annual Development Programme (ADP).?

Addressing the ceremony, Prime Minister Rathore said the government was committed to completing ongoing development projects and addressing public issues despite limited time and resources.

?The Soan Manjhari-Tarakhel Highway, he said, will provide a shorter and easier route to Islamabad and Rawalpindi for residents of Hajira, Abbaspur and Haveli Kahuta.?

"The project will improve transportation facilities, promote tourism and boost commercial activities in the region", he added.?The improved road network, he said, would also help reduce travel time and transportation costs while creating new business and employment opportunities for local residents.?It may be recalled here that the project was initially launched in 2002 but later stalled due to various reasons. Its revival has been widely welcomed by the local population and business community.

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