The Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir has introduced a sweeping cabinet reshuffle. He assigned portfolios to his 20-member team. However, he also retained several powerful ministries under his direct supervision. This move has created considerable interest in the region’s political landscape.
Key Ministries Retained by the PM
The prime minister kept control of major departments. These include Information, Electricity, Interior, Planning and Development, and the Services and General Administration Department. Because of this decision, the PM continues to hold direct authority over some of the most influential sectors of the regional government.
Senior Minister Receives Law and Parliamentary Affairs
The senior-most cabinet member, Mian Abdul Waheed, was given the Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs ministry. This portfolio holds significant importance. It plays a central role in legislative functions and legal strategy.
Only Woman Minister Assigned Kashmir Cause and Arts Portfolio
The cabinet includes only one woman minister, Nabeela Ayub. She was assigned the Kashmir Cause, Arts and Languages portfolio. Her assignment adds representation to a critical department focused on cultural and political identity.
Distribution of Major Departments Across the Cabinet
Several ministers were given important administrative roles. Sardar Javed Ayub received Forests, Wildlife, Fisheries and the Muzaffarabad Development Authority. Chaudhry Qasim Majeed was allotted Finance and Inland Revenue. Additionally, Syed Bazil Ali Naqvi took Public Health and Population Welfare.
Moreover, Dewan Ali Chughtai now oversees Elementary and Secondary Education. Javed Iqbal Budhanvi was allotted the Food department. Sardar Zia-ul-Qamar took Communication and Public Works.
Chaudhry Arshad Hussain was assigned Energy and Water Resources. Meanwhile, Zafar Iqbal Malik retained Higher Education.
Social Sectors and Agricultural Divisions Assigned
Sardar Muhammad Hussain Khan now leads Auqaf, Social Welfare, Zakat, Ushr and Women Development. Chaudhry Ali Shan Soni was given Agriculture, Livestock, Irrigation, Dairy Development and Small Dams.
Chaudhry Muhammad Akhlaq received Revenue, Stamps and Custodian departments. Aamir Yasin was assigned Local Government and Rural Development. Chaudhry Yasir Sultan was given Physical Planning and Housing.
Chaudhry Muhammad Rashid will oversee the Power Development Organisation. Muhammad Rafiq Nair was assigned Religious Affairs and Auqaf. Faheem Akhtar Rabbani took Tourism and Archaeology.
Two Advisers Added to Strengthen Governance
Two advisers have also been appointed. Sardar Ahmed Sagheer Chughtai became Adviser on Sports, Youth and Culture. Sardar Fahad Yaqoob was appointed Adviser for Industries, Commerce, Labour, Weights and Measures, Sericulture and Printing Press.
