Dr. Muqeem Appointed Director General of Kashmir Institute of Management After 1.5-Year Vacancy

MUZAFFARABAD — After a prolonged delay of one and a half years, the Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir has appointed Dr. Muhammad Muqeem ul Islam as the new Director General of the Kashmir Institute of Management (KIM), Muzaffarabad. The appointment, made on the recommendation of the Board of Governors, follows a rigorous and competitive selection process aimed at revitalizing civil service training in AJK.

The prolonged vacancy had significantly impacted the training and professional development of civil servants in the region. The appointment process was steered under the dynamic leadership of Chief Secretary Khushal Khan and Secretary Services and General Administration Zafar Mehmood Khan, who ensured transparency and merit in line with the government’s vision for institutional strengthening.

Dr. Muqeem, a distinguished public policy expert, brings more than 25 years of experience in civil service training, having served at prestigious institutions including the National School of Public Policy (NSPP) and the National Institute of Public Administration (NIPA). He holds a PhD in Public Policy & Governance from National Defence University, a Fellowship in Public Policy from the University of Oxford, and an MPhil in Economic Development.

His previous roles include Director General at NAVTTC, and his expertise spans strategic planning, economic development, policy design, leadership, and institutional reform. A prolific academic, he has authored over 27 research papers and a book on governance, and recently published a comprehensive compendium of proposals for government reforms aimed at citizen-centric governance.

In his remarks following the appointment, Dr. Muqeem reaffirmed his commitment to transforming KIM into a center of excellence for public policy training and research. He outlined his vision to establish KIM as a policy think tank for AJK, launch a public policy research journal (pending Board approval), and introduce key reforms to broaden training offerings and improve quality.

During the meeting, Board Member and Finance Secretary Islam Zaib proposed the creation of a Policy Lab to address critical service delivery challenges. Dr. Muqeem fully endorsed the idea and announced plans to operationalize it swiftly.

He also expressed a strong intention to extend KIM’s outreach beyond AJK, focusing on governance innovation, citizen engagement, and capacity building for civil servants at all levels. His vision includes shaping a professional public sector workforce capable of advancing AJK’s socio-economic development through effective governance.

Read more: “Kashmiris Are the Principal Stakeholders and Must Be Heard”: KGC Spokesperson

Acknowledging growing public trust in national institutions, Dr. Muqeem praised the Pakistan Armed Forces, particularly the Pakistan Air Force, for their performance in the Bunyan Marsus operation. He expressed admiration for the leadership of Field Marshal Asim Munir, expressing confidence in Pakistan’s continued progress and unity.

In a heartfelt conclusion, Dr. Muqeem reiterated the emotional and historical bond between Pakistan and Kashmir, stating: “Pakistan and Kashmir are one soul in two bodies.” He expressed hope that one day, both parts of Kashmir will be united through the right of self-determination.

Dr. Muqeem’s appointment marks a significant step in advancing public sector training and reform in AJK, with expectations high for a renewed focus on professionalism, policy innovation, and citizen-centric governance.