MUZAFFARABAD: The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) cabinet on Friday approved legislation for the regularisation of ad hoc, temporary and contractual employees appointed against regular budgeted posts, besides clearing a range of administrative, legal and development-related measures.

The 41st cabinet meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Faisal Mumtaz Rathore shortly after the announcement of the election schedule, also approved the regularisation of 878 Grade-I baildaars, extension of austerity measures until June 13, the Ease of Doing Business Act, and amendments to the Criminal Law (1st Amendment) Act 2024.

Chief Secretary Khushal Khan briefed the cabinet on the implementation of the agreement reached with the Jammu and Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), while Inspector General of Police Captain (retired) Liaqat Ali Malik presented a detailed overview of the law and order situation. The cabinet also ratified decisions taken at its previous meeting and reviewed their implementation.

The cabinet approved the transfer of powers of the chairman of the Environmental Tribunal and the chairman of the Appellate Tribunal of the Mirpur Development Authority to district and sessions judges.

It also approved the National Small and Medium Enterprise Policy and decided to formulate the Azad Kashmir Drinking Water Policy 2026 with the support of UNICEF and the federal Ministry of Climate Change.

For the agriculture sector, the cabinet approved a five-year Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation Roadmap (2026-2031) and cleared the Agriculture Pesticide (Adoption) Act, 2025 aimed at curbing the use of substandard pesticides.

The meeting also approved relaxation in financial approval requirements following the clearance of PC-I for the creation of posts in development projects and ratified decisions regarding the release and distribution of funds to local government institutions.

The cabinet approved the allotment of 25 kanals and nine marlas of Khalsa Sarkar land for a funeral ground and graveyard in Jandala Thathi village of Samahni tehsil in Bhimber district, as well as 195 kanals and 11 marlas of forest land for the rehabilitation of Mangla Dam affected persons in Palak village of Islamgarh tehsil, Mirpur district.

Under the education sector, the cabinet approved amendments relating to the readjustment of posts under the Schools Education Package, the upgradation of certain educational institutions and changes in staffing patterns in some schools.

It also approved the upgradation of district food controller posts to Grade 17 with effect from July 1.

The cabinet further restored the previous procedure for the appointment of the president of the Bank of AJK by withdrawing an earlier amendment, though no details were provided.

Published in Dawn, June 6th, 2026