MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): A pre-budget seminar jointly organised by the University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (UAJK) and the Business Forum of AJK & Gilgit-Baltistan has highlighted the urgent need for a new approach to budget planning, one that goes beyond statistics and focuses on solutions that directly improve people’s lives.
The seminar was held at UAJK’s City Campus and brought together economists, business leaders, civil society members, and journalists. Speakers agreed that budget planning must reflect local realities and aim to uplift the income and living standards of ordinary citizens.
UAJK Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Nadeem Haider Bukhari, in his presidential address, said that a national budget should not just be a financial document, but a mirror of the people’s aspirations.
He thanked the Business Forum for encouraging pre-budget seminars and called on the government to include proposals from public universities in the 2025–26 budget. He also stressed the need for fair funding for higher education.
During the pre-budget seminar President of the Business Forum AJK & GB, Sardar Imran Aziz, said the Forum is holding similar events across all districts to collect public feedback. “Only budget planning that includes input from all sectors can bring real change,” he said.
Syeda Asma Andrabi, Coordinator to the Prime Minister for the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), shared details of a $600 million joint project with UNICEF aimed at capacity building and digital governance.
She also urged a move away from dependence on federal funds and suggested local strategies to tackle food security during the pre-budget seminar, climate change, and waste management. She also asked universities to help train government departments to meet SDG targets.
Khawaja Ahsan, former government secretary, appreciated the Forum’s efforts in the pre-budget seminar, saying public involvement in budget planning was key to transparency and impact.
Prof Dr Samina Sabir, the Director of the Kashmir Institute of Economy, UAJK, suggested setting aside funds for the digitisation and automation process, this suggestion also ensures better transparency. She also pointed out the lack of reliable data as a major issue in effective budget planning.
Other participants, including Dr Wajid Aziz Lone and Dr Atiq ur Rehman, called for public input in budget decisions as it affects them too.
Others added that rural development, youth skill-building, and environmental protection must be priorities. They also advocated using local herbs and minerals during the pre-budget seminar, simplifying tourist NOC procedures, and encouraging agriculture and apiculture to improve livelihoods.
All participants agreed that budget planning must be people-centred, practical, and inclusive to steer the region toward economic resilience and self-reliance.
