AJK government allocates portfolios to eight-member cabinet

Azad Jammu and Kashmir’s newly formed eight-member cabinet has received its portfolios, allowing the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz-led government to move from formation to administration.

The Services and General Administration Department formally notified the distribution on Saturday. Sardar Mir Akbar will oversee Physical Planning and Housing, while Col. (retd.) Waqar Ahmed Noor received Forests and Fisheries. Engineer Umair Naeem was assigned School Education, and Azhar Sadiq will handle Colleges and Higher Education.

Abdul Rehman Arain was given Tourism, Industries and Mineral Resources. Raja Saqib Majeed will oversee Energy and Water Resources, Raja Riasat received Rehabilitation and Revenue, and Dr. Mustafa Bashir Abbasi was assigned the Health Department.

Prime Minister Iftikhar Gilani has retained a wide range of major portfolios, including Law, Finance, Planning and Development, Local Government, Communications and Works, Information, Agriculture and Home Affairs. He will hold them at least until polling concludes in seven seats in the Poonch Division districts of Rawalakot and Sudhnoti, with a possible expansion of the cabinet also pending.

The ministers are expected to assume charge, receive briefings from senior officials and review development projects, administrative matters and departmental performance. The government has identified improving service delivery, speeding up administrative processes and providing public relief as priorities. With major departments now assigned, the administration is expected to focus on implementing its agenda and making the government fully functional.