Muzaffarabad-(Special Correspondent/News Desk)_The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) government on Thursday made significant strides in governance, administration, and public sector reforms, as the cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Faisal Mumtaz Rathore approved a series of key decisions. On the same day, the premier also underscored the importance of responsible use of digital and social media to counter misinformation, highlighting the growing challenges posed by unregulated online platforms.
The cabinet meeting, attended by ministers, the chief secretary, senior bureaucrats, and departmental secretaries, resulted in wide-ranging approvals impacting education, legislation, governance, and energy sectors. Among the most notable decisions was the approval of the Education Package 2026, which aims to strengthen academic infrastructure and expand employment opportunities in the sector.
Under this package, the cabinet sanctioned the creation of 726 new posts in higher education institutions, including new colleges and upgraded facilities. Additionally, 3,319 positions were approved for elementary and secondary education to support the establishment of new schools. These measures are expected to involve expenditures amounting to billions of rupees and are seen as a major step toward improving access to quality education across AJK.
The cabinet also approved a six-month extension in the service period of ad hoc and contract employees, along with the regularization of employees in the B-01 scale. Restoration of the Secretaries Service Rules 2023 was another key administrative decision aimed at streamlining governance structures.
In the legislative domain, the cabinet adopted the NADRA Act 2025 and approved the establishment of a Center of Excellence for countering extremism under the Act 2026. Amendments were also endorsed in several important laws, including the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority Amendment Act 2026, Electricity Amendment Act 2026, Food Authority Act 2017, and the Tajweed-ul-Quran Trust Act 2014.
Further reforms included transferring powers of the chairmen of the Environmental Tribunal and the Appellate Tribunal of the Muzaffarabad Development Authority (MDA) to district and session judges, a move aimed at improving judicial efficiency.
In higher education, the cabinet approved special grants for the University of AJK Muzaffarabad and the University of Bagh. It also agreed to change the status of Women University Bagh by establishing a boys’ campus and upgrading the Mirpur Institute of Medical Sciences to the University of Allied Health Sciences.
Additional measures included the introduction of a four-tier service structure for librarians, upgradation of encroachment inspectors from B-11 to B-15, and enhancement of the Shuhada (martyrs) package to bring it in line with Punjab. The cabinet also granted age relaxation for recruitment under the police martyrs’ quota and formed a sub-committee to review the upgradation of magistrates.
In the energy sector, approval was given for power transmission arrangements for the 7.08 MW Reyali-II Hydropower Project, including installation of transmission lines and necessary connections. The cabinet also permitted timber extraction from private forests in line with recommendations of the relevant committee.
A notable administrative decision was the abolition of the Friday public holiday in light of ongoing budget preparations, although Saturday holidays in educational institutions will continue. Matters related to the allocation of state (Khalisa) land for public projects were deferred for discussion in the next meeting.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Faisal Mumtaz Rathore addressed the oath-taking ceremony of the Digital and Social Media Journalists Association, where he emphasized the responsible use of digital platforms. Highlighting the rapid rise of social media as a powerful communication tool, he noted that while it has enhanced information dissemination, it also poses serious risks due to the spread of fake news and disinformation.
Referring to the sensitive nature of the Kashmir region, the prime minister urged journalists and content creators to exercise caution and responsibility. He warned that unverified or misleading information could be exploited by hostile elements, potentially harming national interests.
Rathore stressed that although sensational and unverified content may gain rapid attention, its impact is often short-lived and can undermine public trust. He reiterated the government’s commitment to addressing issues faced by journalists and promoting responsible journalism.
Announcing a grant of Rs1 million for the association, the prime minister said the government is working on a comprehensive digital and social media policy. The policy, he added, aims to regulate online content responsibly while encouraging constructive and ethical use of digital platforms.
Speakers at the event echoed similar concerns. Former Press Club president Tariq Naqash described digital media as a “double-edged sword,” emphasizing the need for verification and objective reporting, particularly in conflict-sensitive regions like Kashmir. Newly elected office-bearers of the association also called for training workshops to promote effective and positive use of digital media.
The ceremony, held at the Prime Minister’s House, was attended by government officials, journalists, and civil society representatives. The newly elected leadership of the association pledged to work towards responsible journalism and professional development in the digital age.
The developments reflect the AJK government’s dual focus on structural reforms and responsible communication. While the cabinet’s decisions aim to strengthen governance, education, and infrastructure, the emphasis on digital responsibility highlights the growing importance of credible information in shaping public discourse.
Together, these initiatives signal a comprehensive approach by the AJK leadership to address both administrative challenges and the evolving dynamics of modern communication.
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