Investment, health, and education initiatives gain momentum in AJK
The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) government on Friday announced that it has resolved, or is close to resolving, more than 90% of the issues outlined in the 39-point agreement with the Jammu and Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC), less than two months after taking office.
Prime Minister Raja Faisal Mumtaz Rathore made the announcement during a multimedia briefing for journalists at the PM Office, following the fifth cabinet meeting. He was joined by Finance and Inland Revenue Minister Chaudhry Qasim Majeed, Information and Religious Affairs Minister Rafique Nair, Elementary and Secondary Education Minister Deevan Ali Khan Chughtai, Chief Secretary Khushal Khan, and other senior officials.
“The issues that drove people onto the streets were our top priority from day one. Since taking office on November 17, we have acted swiftly to restore public confidence in the political system,” the Prime Minister said. He emphasized that the government had bridged the gap with the public through dialogue and would not allow any atmosphere of chaos in the state.
“Even the most serious problems can be solved through practical, fact-based dialogue,” he added. Mr Rathore described JKJAAC members as “our own people” and highlighted that his government had open doors at the Prime Minister’s Office, ministers’ offices, and the bureaucracy. He also announced that an investment conference would be held ahead of the upcoming free and fair general elections.
Finance Minister Chaudhry Qasim Majeed, part of the government’s negotiating team, said that under the agreement:
- 177 of 192 FIRs registered against protesters had been withdrawn.
- Compensation had been provided to families of those killed or injured during October 2025 incidents.
- Jobs were offered to the next of kin of the deceased.
- All government employees suspended for participating in the movement had been reinstated.
He added that judicial commissions are being set up to review FIRs related to fatalities in multiple districts, and a monitoring and implementation committee has already held its first meeting to track progress on the agreement.
The minister further highlighted that the cabinet approved:
- Issuance of health cards
- Establishment of two additional boards of intermediate and secondary education for Muzaffarabad and Poonch
- Amendments to the local government law (pending High Court approval)
- Formation of a committee with ministers and student representatives to restore student unions and propose a code of conduct
He also said the federal government has assured Rs10 billion for upgrading the electricity system, while PC-Is worth Rs5.5 billion have been approved for installing MRI and CT scan machines in district hospitals. A chief executive officer has been appointed for the Universal Service Fund to improve cellular and internet connectivity, and feasibility studies are underway for major water supply schemes.
Additionally, the government retained a 20-member cabinet, rationalized departments, and advanced financial reforms, including providing Rs2.9 billion to the Bank of AJK to support its operations and launch its digital application. Some fiscal demands, such as the abolition of advance tax, are still under review, with ongoing consultations with JKJAAC.
Both the Prime Minister and Finance Minister expressed gratitude to the President, Prime Minister, and Government of Pakistan, as well as the PPP chairman and national institutions, for their support in implementing the agreement.