Srinagar, March 02: Former Minister and senior Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Naeem Akhtar, while paying tributes to party veteran Qazi Mohammad Afzal termed him a ‘quintessential’ political worker who in spite of his age and failing health had continued to be among people and tried as best as he could to help them.
In a press release issued here, Akhtar said that late Qazi Mohammad Afzal was a politician rooted in the ground and emerged as one of the key political figures in 2002 introducing democratic competition in Jammu and Kashmir. “He defeated then chief ministerial candidate and NC President Omar Abdullah from Ganderbal. It created credibility within the system and democratic credentials of our elections were once again restored after the bad experience of 1987 and the events that followed,” Akthtar said.
He added that Qazi had contributed immensely towards the development of Ganderbal constituency and adjoining Kangan constituency and that there were several major developmental works witnessed during his tenure including grant of District Status to Ganderbal, construction of Mini-Secretariat, establishment of Degree College etc. “In spite of his age and failing health, he continued to be among his people and tried as best as he could to help them,” Akhtar said and conveyed sympathies to the bereaved family and prayed for the peace to the departed soul.
