AJK government allocates portfolios to eight-member cabinet
AJK PM Iftikhar Gilani retains key portfolios pending polls in seven Poonch Division seats and cabinet expansion
The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz government in Azad Jammu and Kashmir has assigned portfolios to its eight-member cabinet, signaling plans to expedite administrative duties and fulfill its governance objectives. Sources indicate that key departments have been formally notified of their new responsibilities, following the cabinet's formation.
Sardar Mir Akbar will manage Physical Planning and Housing, while Col (retd) Waqar Ahmed Noor will oversee Forests and Fisheries. Engineer Umair Naeem has been appointed to oversee School Education, and Azhar Sadiq has been given Colleges and Higher Education. Abdul Rehman Arain will handle Tourism, Industries, and Mineral Resources.
Raja Saqib Majeed has been tasked with Energy and Water Resources, Raja Riasat with Rehabilitation and Revenue, and Dr Mustafa Bashir Abbasi will lead the Health Department.
The cabinet members took their oath on Friday, paving the way for the new administration to tackle policy priorities and address crucial public and administrative concerns. Prime Minister Iftikhar Gilani has retained significant portfolios, including Law, Food, Livestock, Finance, Planning and Development, Local Government, Communications, Works, Information, Inland Revenue, Zakat, Agriculture, and Home Affairs.
These portfolios are retained until the resolution of polling in seven seats within Poonch Division's Rawalakot and Sudhnoti districts, and potentially beyond.
The newly formed cabinet is expected to initiate their respective departmental responsibilities by briefing senior officials and reviewing the performance of ongoing schemes and projects. The focus will be on enhancing service delivery, streamlining administrative processes, and ensuring greater public relief. This strategic move is viewed as a critical step towards establishing a fully operational government.
The ministers are committed to discharging their duties in line with the Constitution and law, with an aim to improve departmental performance and provide maximum relief to the people of Azad Kashmir. The government is also anticipated to reassess the cabinet's composition and size after completing the remaining electoral process in Poonch Division.
Written by urgent.news from The Express Tribune - Pakistan's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
