AJK moves for ban on early-age marriages.

MIRPUR (AJK) -- :Azad Jammu Kashmir Prime Minister Raja Farooq Haider Khan Monday fully endorsed the proposed move for imposition of complete ban on early-age marriages of the children under 18 years of age in the state.

He, however, suggested to consult Islamic Ideological Council of Azad Jammu and Kashmir to take the religious fraternity on board on the move.

Raja Farooq Haider expressed these views while speaking, as a chief guest, at a seminar hosted in the State's m metropolis Monday evening.

The seminar was hosted by Azad Jammu and Kashmir Population Welfare Department, with the support of UNFPA (the United Nations Population Fund) and coordination of the Ministry of National Health Services Regulation and Coordination, Govt. of Pakistan.

The AJK prime minister described the rapid population growth as one of the core issues confronted by Pakistan and resolved to make AJK a region where universal access to family planning for married couples would be made available as part of state's obligation.

''AJK government will make all possible efforts to strengthen family planning facilities through functional integration with health department to secure better service delivery in reproductive healthcare," he resolved, adding only a balanced family size can guarantee the secured future of their children with proper grooming and education and only a sensible approach can contribute for a healthy society and nation.

He assured to provide all resources required to department for proper service delivery.

Addressing the seminar, AJK minister for population welfare, TEVTA and IT, Dr. Mustafa Bashir Abbasi while giving vote of thanks, paid tribute to Prime Minister AJK for his unwavering support to the department for the cause of population management leading to a healthy society.

He highlighted the achievements of the department for improved reproductive healthcare service delivery in AJK.

He while referring the recommendations of Federal Task Force and Council of Common Interests assured to follow the spirit of action plan that has already been finalised in consultation with Technical Support Unit established for the purpose.

He appreciated the role of UNFPA for renewing its activities in AJK region and looked forward to work with high spirit for the cause in the region in collaboration with public and private sectors.

Secretary AJK population welfare department Raja Muhammad Razzaque while highlighting the international, national and regional...