MUZAFFARABAD — The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) cabinet has approved a sweeping set of administrative, financial and social reforms, including the launch of a universal health card scheme and the restoration of student unions, marking one of the most comprehensive policy packages introduced by the regional government this year.
The decisions were finalised during a cabinet session chaired by AJK Prime Minister Faisal Rathore late Monday and later shared with the media by Senior Minister Mian Abdul Waheed and Minister for Forests Sardar Javed Ayoub. The measures, officials said, are aimed at improving public service delivery, reducing financial burdens on citizens and modernising key institutions across the region.
One of the major initiatives endorsed by the cabinet is the universal health card programme, which will provide widespread access to healthcare facilities across AJK. Minister Ayoub said the scheme would be launched immediately after the government concludes an agreement with State Life Insurance. A committee led by the health minister has been tasked with identifying hospitals eligible under the scheme and will submit its findings within five days.
The cabinet also approved the restoration of student unions—long demanded by student groups across AJK. A committee headed by the higher education minister will present recommendations within five days to determine the framework and scope of the revival. In addition, the government announced an education rationalisation plan under which staff shortages will be addressed using a one-teacher-per-25-students formula. Surplus teachers may be transferred within their union councils, and new posts will be created where needed.
In a significant fiscal reform, the cabinet agreed to reduce taxes on property transfers after recommendations are submitted by a finance minister–led committee. It also sanctioned Rs2.9 billion in equity for the Bank of AJK, enabling it to seek scheduled-bank status from the State Bank of Pakistan. Uniform domestic and commercial power tariffs for 5kV and 60kV consumers were approved, and Rs139 million in unpaid electricity dues were waived to provide relief to citizens.
You May Also Like: Civilian Deaths in Militancy-Linked Violence Surge 80pc in November: PICSS Report
The meeting further endorsed the establishment of women police stations at divisional headquarters, the creation of education boards in Muzaffarabad and Rawalakot, and the capping of administrative departments at 20 for improved governance.
Several development projects cleared earlier by the Cabinet Development Committee received final approval, including the 500kW Pathyali and 500kW Haryala hydropower schemes and the construction of the 220-metre Gulpur bridge in Kotli. Additional initiatives include a revised Revenue Complex plan for Muzaffarabad, solid waste management projects in nine districts, and procurement of new machinery for the Communications and Works Department in Poonch.
Cabinet approves uniform domestic and commercial power tariffs for 5kV and 60kV consumers, waives Rs139 million in outstanding electricity dues. https://t.co/gP3BlxQZWw
— Dawn.com (@dawn_com) December 3, 2025
The cabinet also formed a committee for the rehabilitation of Mangla Dam–affected families, with a report due within five days, after which land allotments will commence.
Check out our latest video:
