AJK Assembly Presents Tax-Free, Balanced Budget

MUZAFFARABAD:The Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Chaudhry Anwarul Haq, has said that his government has eliminated discrimination between likes and dislikes in the budget, ensuring that the state resources are distributed fairly across government and opposition members alike.

Addressing the Legislative Assembly session held under the chairmanship of the Speaker, the Prime Minister emphasized that “there is no dearth of resources, provided they are spent justly and without prejudice”. He termed the fiscal year 2025–26 budget as a balanced, tax-free, and deficit-free budget.

“We have eliminated dishonesty, and I am satisfied that this government has revived the hope of the younger generation,” he stated, adding that despite deficits caused by massive subsidies being provided to people in terms of cheap electricity and wheat flour at affordable prices, the government has decided to issue health cards and launching education packages for its people.

Describing this as a significant success and the biggest achievement of his government, he said the coalition had undertaken numerous initiatives that will have long-term benefits for the region’s economy and its people.

Lauding the role of the Pakistan Army, the Prime Minister called its soldiers “great sons of the soil” who protect the nation’s geographical and ideological boundaries while others sleep. He praised the Chief of the Army Staff, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, for his leadership acumen, courage, and perseverance. Referring to Pakistan’s victory against India in the recent war, he said the Army Chief would be remembered as a brave general who taught Indians a lesson that they will remember for the rest of their life.

He also commended the Pakistan Air Force, stating that after the Indian aggression, its “Shaheens” forced the enemy to lick the dust within no time. The Prime Minister further lauded Pakistan’s role in the Iran–Israel war, stating that Israel’s conspiracy to divide Muslims was successfully thwarted by Pakistan by standing firmly with its brotherly country, Iran.

He emphasized that a strong, stable, and prosperous Pakistan is the guarantor of the success of the Kashmir freedom movement, declaring, “Pakistan is the pride of the Muslim world.”

Highlighting his government’s priorities, he stated that improving health, education, and other sectors remained a top focus. “For the first time in the history of Azad Kashmir, a Rs. 6 billion budget has been allocated for the health sector. Additionally, 500 km of inter-district roads will be constructed or reconditioned,” he announced, adding that grants for the Press Foundation and Bar Councils had been increased in the budget and efforts were underway to secure scheduled bank status for the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Bank.

To address unemployment, the Prime Minister announced that over 1,300 posts have been created in the police department. In order to empower the youth, technical training and interest-free loans will be offered to help them launch their own businesses.

He emphasized the government’s commitment to merit and justice, attributing its successes to the efforts of its ministers.

Commenting on Kashmir, the Prime Minister stated that it was time to move beyond ritual statements and take concrete measures to strengthen the voice of the Kashmiri people and advance their just cause.

“We stand in solidarity with our Kashmiri brethren in their just struggle for the right to self-determination,” he concluded, reaffirming his commitment to utilize all available resources for the Kashmir cause.