AJK Government Reforms: Prime Minister Unveils Historic Governance Overhaul

AZAD JAMMU AND KASHMIR _In a landmark address to the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, the newly elected Prime Minister unveiled a historic AJK government reforms package aimed at reducing government expenditures, ensuring transparency, and restoring merit-based governance. These reforms are expected to save billions of rupees and significantly improve administrative efficiency.

Key Pillars of AJK Government Reforms

• Right-Sizing and Resource Management
  The AJK government reforms include a “right-sizing” initiative that eliminates unnecessary posts, imposes strict restrictions on official vehicle misuse, and reduces direct recruitment quotas. Officers below Grade 18 must return official vehicles to a transport pool, and those holding multiple vehicles face warnings.
• Transparent Recruitment System
  All recruitment will now be conducted through the Public Service Commission, reducing direct quotas from 100% to 50%. Exams are to be completed within one month, ensuring merit-based selection and fair hiring.
• Biometric Attendance and Third-Party Audits
  The reforms mandate full biometric attendance implementation across departments, along with mandatory third-party audits to ensure accountability and transparency.
• Police and Public Service Upgrades
  Police allowances will be aligned with Punjab Police rates. Temporary employees in Scale 1 will become permanent with additional pay starting December 1. Time-scale promotions for officers above Grade 19 will be halted.
• Citizen Engagement and Grievance Redressal
  “Khuli Kacheri” or open courts will be held every 15 days at district levels, allowing citizens to directly present complaints to the Prime Minister and Chief Secretary. Permanent complaint desks will be established in the Prime Minister and Chief Secretary offices.
• Institutional Transparency and High-Value Project Oversight
  Mandatory audits will cover all institutions, including the judiciary, assembly, and Kashmir Bank. High-value projects will require full transparency before approval, ensuring efficiency and integrity in governance.
• Education and Legal Reforms
  Technical education will be integrated into higher education programs. Annual 60-day amnesty has been approved for eligible convicts to promote social justice.

Impact and Vision

The Prime Minister emphasized that the AJK government reforms are designed to foster a culture of accountability, efficiency, and public service.

“By streamlining recruitment, regulating official resources, and eliminating redundant positions, we are setting a new standard for governance in Azad Jammu and Kashmir,”

He said.

The historic AJK government reforms are widely seen as a decisive step toward a transparent, merit-driven administration prioritizing fiscal responsibility, accountability, and effective governance.