AJK Budget 2026–27 prioritises health, education, Infrastructure: Chaudhry Qasim

MUZAFFARABAD: The Azad Jammu and Kashmir government has unveiled a people-focused budget for the 2026–27 fiscal year, prioritising health, education, infrastructure, policing, banking reforms and digital development, stated Finance Minister Cghaudhary Qasim Majeed.

Under the budget, Rs 2.97 billion has been allocated for elementary and secondary education, while Rs 704.92 million has been approved under the education package for colleges.

The government has also approved the upgradation of several Basic Health Centres and allocated Rs 1.97 billion as a grant for state universities.

To strengthen public infrastructure, Rs 722 million has been earmarked for the installation and repair of electricity transformers, Rs 75.78 million for urban planning and civic amenities, and Rs 340 million for the beautification and infrastructure development of Muzaffarabad city.

The government also approved the regularisation of 878 forest guards, a martyrs’ package for police personnel to ensure financial assistance to their families, the establishment of a Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) with 473 new posts, and a Riot Management Police force with 1,340 new positions.

Additionally, Rs 470 million has been allocated for the purchase of police weapons, ammunition and anti-riot equipment.

On the financial front, all formalities for making the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Bank a scheduled bank have been completed, with approval expected by the first week of August.

The bank’s first online branch will also become operational soon, while Rs 2.9 billion has been allocated as its equity share and Rs 50 million placed in the AJK Universal Fund to strengthen digital infrastructure.

The budget also provides a Rs 2,500 increase in the subsistence allowance for refugees of 1989–90, allocates Rs 734 million to the Rehabilitation Department, and earmarks an additional Rs 30 million for the Information Department’s advertising budget.

Speaking during the budget session, Finance Minister Chaudhry Qasim Majeed said the government had regularised ad hoc employees within a short period and reaffirmed that providing greater relief and convenience to the people remains the government’s top priority.