ISLAMABAD: The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly on Thursday unanimously passed the Finance Act 2025 and adopted three key resolutions on pressing regional and international issues, despite an opposition boycott of the session chaired by Speaker Chaudhry Latif Akbar.
AJK Finance Minister Abdul Majid Khan presented the select committee’s report on the finance bill, which was endorsed by the House without opposition.
He expressed gratitude to coalition partners and lawmakers for their support and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to resolving the issues faced by post-1989 Kashmiri refugees, including by engaging with federal authorities where needed.
Focus on Governance and Security Reforms
Home Minister Waqar Noor responded to a call-attention notice regarding disparities in police salaries and allowances, assuring that corrective measures would be taken.
He highlighted progress already made, such as the establishment of six new police stations, an increase in ration allowances, and the provision of new vehicles.
Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq stated that his government had ensured equitable distribution of development funds across party lines.
He emphasized that ending favoritism and prejudice in governance would eliminate many problems facing the region.
He proudly noted the 2025-26 budget was “tax-free, deficit-free, and entirely based on self-reliance,” closing with zero shortfall despite a projected Rs19 billion gap.
The prime minister announced plans to develop or repair 500 km of roads and confirmed that Rs1 billion had been allocated for the resettlement of refugees, with 700 homes already under construction.
House Resolutions on Kashmir, Regional Peace
Before the session was adjourned sine die, the Assembly passed three major resolutions.
The first condemned Indian Home Minister Amit Shah’s comments on the Indus Waters Treaty and the ongoing human rights violations in occupied Kashmir. It also called for urgent UN and OIC action against Hindutva-driven extremism and recent Israeli aggression against Iran.
The second resolution urged the federal government to intervene on behalf of jailed Kashmiri leader Syed Shabbir Ahmad Shah, demanding international access to medical care and family visitation.
The third praised Pakistan and Iran’s defensive measures and lauded PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari’s efforts in effectively voicing the Kashmir cause on global platforms.
