Azad Kashmir finalizes new cabinet: Key portfolios assigned in major political development

MUZAFFARABAD: The formation of the new cabinet in Azad Kashmir has been completed, and formal approval has been granted for the distribution of ministries.

According to government sources, an official notification has been issued, and newly elected ministers will assume their portfolios soon. Senior political figures have been entrusted with major ministries as part of the new cabinet setup.

According to the notification, Mian Waheed has been appointed as Senior Minister and given charge of the Law, Parliamentary Affairs, and Human Rights departments. Basil Naqvi has been assigned the Ministry of Health and Population Welfare, while Qasim Majeed will head the Finance and Inland Revenue departments.

The notification states that Sardar Zia Al-Qamar will oversee the Department of Communications and Public Works, and Javed Ayub has been assigned the Forests, Wildlife, Fisheries, and Muzaffarabad Development Authority portfolios. The Education (Colleges) department has been handed over to Malik Zafar, while Aamir Yasin will lead the Local Government Ministry.

Chaudhry Rashid has been appointed as the Minister for Planning and Development, and Dewan Ali Chughtai is expected to take charge of Education (Schools). Chaudhry Akhlaq has been assigned another key post in the Finance Ministry.

In addition, Ali Shan Soni will oversee Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Irrigation, Dairy Development, and Small Dams, while Nabila Ayub has been given the Kashmir Liberation Cell, Arts, and Languages portfolio. Javed Iqbal Badhanvi has been entrusted with the Food Department, and Yasir Sultan will lead the Ministry of Housing.

According to the official notification, Chaudhry Arshad has been appointed Minister for Energy and Water Resources and Electricity, while Faheem Rabbani will head the Tourism and Antiquities Department. Muhammad Hussain has been given the Social Welfare, Women Development, Ushr, and Zakat portfolio, and Rafiq Nayyar will oversee Religious Affairs and Endowments.

Government Advisor Fahad Yaqoob has been assigned the Industries and Commerce, Labor, and Instruments & Measurement Department, while Advisor Ahmed Saghir has been given the Sports, Youth, and Culture Ministry.

Sources also indicate that the position of Deputy Speaker may be withdrawn from Chaudhry Riaz and handed to Chaudhry Akbar Ibrahim. Meanwhile, the names for the Interior and Information & IT ministries have not yet been finalized.