AJK government launches new reforms and welfare initiatives
Muzaffarabad, (Parliament Times) : The Cabinet of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), chaired by Prime Minister Faisal Mumtaz Rathore, held a session at the Prime Minister Secretariat on Wednesday, reviewing a record 30-point agenda.
During the meeting, the Cabinet approved measures to streamline government departments to 20, amendments to the AJK Accountability Bureau Act 2025, schedules for civil registration fees under the Local Government Department, and financial assistance and healthcare facilities for all employees of the Electricity Department injured or deceased on duty, including work-charge staff. Amendments to the Power Development Organization Act 2024 and bilateral agreements for water potential usage under the Neelum-Jhelum Hydropower Project were also approved.
Other key decisions included the inclusion of the 1989–90 Refugee Housing Scheme in the annual development program, budget revisions for Mangla Dam Housing Authority Mirpur, alternative land allotments for Civil Defense 1122, establishment of an endowment fund for the University of Haveli, provision of stipends for doctors doing house jobs, and payment of special allowances to Secretariat employees in line with Supreme Court rulings. The Cabinet also approved the appointment of the Board of Directors for the Bank of Azad Jammu & Kashmir and budget revisions for the Auqaf Department for 2024–26.
The Prime Minister emphasized implementing accountability without political bias or misuse and ensuring that employees of the Electricity Department receive full support, including temporary and work-charge staff. The Cabinet was briefed on the educational package, Higher Education Department stabilization, and a new transport policy.
Briefings also covered the implementation of agreements with the Joint Public Action Committee, including the dissolution of FIA offices, establishment of Women and Children Police Stations at divisional headquarters, notification of electricity tariff adjustments, and compensation for martyrs’ families and injured personnel. Educational boards in Mirpur and Rawalakot were approved, and land allotments for Mangla Dam project-affected residents will be completed before December 25.
The Cabinet approved inclusion of the “Land Purchase/Acquisition for Housing Construction for Refugees 1989–90 & Onward” scheme in the 2025–26 ADP, providing 750 houses with federal support in areas lacking government land. Updates on the Samahni Greater Water Supply Scheme, property rights for constructions on occupied land, and tourism matters were also discussed.
The session concluded with prayers for the late brother of Minister for Tourism, Sardar Faheem Akhtar Rabbani.