MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): Former Prime Minister of Azad Kashmir, Raja Muhammad Farooq Haider Khan, has strongly criticized the current government’s decision to approve the budget 2025-26 without discussion in the assembly.
Talking to the media, he expressed his concerns about the erosion of political and democratic parliamentary traditions and the weakening of the state’s institutions.
Farooq Haider questioned the need for haste in approving the budget without discussion, citing the constitutional requirement for budget presentation in the assembly.
He alleged that the AJK Prime Minister Anwarul Haq suffers from an “unknowing fear” and doesn’t trust his own ministers, which is why the budget was approved without discussion. Khan criticized the government for weakening the writ and status of the state and making the assembly a mockery.
“The people have voted so that there can be discussion in the assembly. The Prime Minister is not ready to trust anyone,” the former premier said.
Furthermore, he said that this is the third budget in PM Haq’s tenure that is being passed without any discussion. “I am sorry that no one from the House spoke openly, whether anyone else speaks or not, I will speak my mind in any case.”
Farooq Haider Khan suggested that the assembly should be allowed to remain an assembly, and its sanctity and dignity should not be destroyed. He emphasized the need to protect the constitution and the system, and expressed his willingness to be at the forefront to defend it.
