MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): The decision of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) government to release development funds worth Rs1.6 billion under the Annual Development Programme (ADP) has been challenged in the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) High Court.
According to details, the petition, filed by former assembly candidate Raja Taimur Ilyas, questioned the legality and procedure of releasing the development funds days before the general election in the region.
Following the preliminary hearing, the court issued notices to the concerned parties and sought their initial response in the matter. Meanwhile, the case has been fixed for further hearing on June 1, 2026.
During the preliminary hearing, the High Court sought para-wise comments on the constitutional petition and attached documents.
The petitioner also moved an application seeking interim relief, requesting the court to temporarily restrain the implementation of the government’s decision before the general election 2026.
The court issued notices on the interim relief plea as well and asked the respondents to explain why the requested relief should not be granted.
According to the court order, the matter appears suitable for hearing before a Division Bench, considering the nature of the petition and the legal questions involved. The file has therefore been referred to the Acting Chief Justice of the High Court for appropriate orders regarding the constitution of a Division Bench.
Development funds released
On May 18, the AJK government approved the release of development funds worth Rs1.6 billion for local government institutions under the Annual Development Program (ADP) for the financial year 2025-26.
According to the notification, Rs500.4 million has been allocated for 278 union councils functioning under 10 district councils. “Each union council will receive Rs 1.8 million for development projects, which will be identified by the elected representatives of the respective union councils.”
The government has also allocated Rs834.400 million for union councils comprising 2,086 wards, with each ward receiving Rs0.4 million for local development schemes, it added.
In addition, Rs195.6 million has been earmarked for 133 wards of five municipal corporations, with each ward receiving Rs1.2 million, the notification said.
According to the details, Rs37.1 million has been allocated for 53 wards of 12 town committees, while an additional Rs6.9 million has been approved as a special grant for five municipal corporations.
It further stated that the distribution of funds would be carried out based on income and expenditure figures for the financial year 2023-24.
The municipal corporations included are Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Bagh, Kotli, and Mirpur.
According to official details, the lowest revenue among municipal corporations was recorded by Rawalakot Municipal Corporation, accounting for 7.12 percent, while the municipal corporations of Bagh and Kotli generated comparatively higher revenue.
