MUZAFFARABAD: The Azad Jammu and Kashmir cabinet on Friday approved the cancellation of the ‘State Subject certificate’ of a Legislative Assembly member from one of the 12 refugee constituencies in Pakistan.
“The cabinet has approved the agenda item titled ‘cancellation of State Subject certificate in favour of Muhammad Asim Sharif Butt, son of Muhammad Sharif Butt, resident of Androon Haram Gate, Mohalla Tillanwali, Multan,” read an official handout on proceedings of the cabinet meeting, presided over by Prime Minister Raja Faisal Mumtaz Rathore.
Mr Butt was elected on a PTI ticket in the July 2021 elections from LA-42 (Kashmir Valley-III), one of the six seats reserved for Pakistan-based refugees from the India-held Kashmir valley. Six similar constituencies are reserved for refugees from the occupied Jammu region.
In April 2023, he parted ways with the PTI and joined the forward bloc led by then prime minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq, later serving as a minister until Nov 17, when the present PPP government assumed office. He also supported the formation of the PPP-led government.
Asim Sharif Butt parted ways with PTI in 2023 and joined forward bloc led by then-PM Anwarul Haq
The validity of his State Subject certificate had long been challenged by PML-N leader Syed Shoukat Ali Shah, who alleged that it was obtained fraudulently. An inquiry, ordered by the AJK Supreme Court and conducted by the deputy commissioner (rehabilitation), concluded that the certificate issued to Mr Butt on Dec 9, 2004, under Rule 4 of the State Subject Act, 1980, was invalid and recommended its cancellation.
The State Subject certificate — introduced during the Dogra rule — is issued by deputy commissioners in AJK to local residents and by the deputy commissioner (rehabilitation) to Pakistan-based refugees. It serves as proof of domicile and guarantees rights to property ownership and public employment to bona fide residents of the former princely state.
However, the previous government had delayed action on the inquiry report, shielding the minister despite clear directives from the apex court, and had referred the matter back to the Board of Revenue. The board later endorsed the deputy commissioner’s observations, confirming the certificate’s invalidity.
Following the recent Supreme Court’s warning over delays, the matter was placed before the cabinet, which approved the revocation.
Among other decisions, the cabinet approved the AJK Service Tribunals (Amendment) Act, 2026, the revised budget for 2024-25, and the estimated budget for 2025-26 of the Bagh Development Authority, and the provision of state land for the establishment of a police station in Sharda.
It also constituted a committee headed by the finance minister to review the AJK Grant of Khalisa Sarkar (Ground Rent and Lease) (Amendment) Rules, 2025.
The meeting also held a discussion on the proposed Overseas Convention, which it believed would provide a platform for expatriate Kashmiris to contribute to the territory’s development.
Prime Minister Rathore described overseas Kashmiris as a valuable asset and said the government was facilitating their participation in investment, tourism, and welfare initiatives.
Published in Dawn, February 14th, 2026
