MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Iftikhar Gillani, on Thursday chaired the first formal meeting of the newly formed cabinet, discussing the priorities and important issues for the new government.
The meeting of the cabinet was held at the Prime Minister’s Secretariat and was attended by cabinet members, the chief secretary, and secretaries to the government, the Press Information Department (PID) said.
During the meeting, the Secretary Education Schools briefed the cabinet on the Education Package 2026 and the teacher recruitment policy.
The cabinet gave approval to form a three-member committee to review the education package and submit recommendations.
The committee comprises Minister for Forests Col. (retd) Waqar Ahmed Noor, Minister for Higher Education Azhar Sadiq, and Minister for Elementary and Secondary Education Umair Naeem.
The Principal Secretary and Secretary Industries and Crafts Sardar Adnan Khurshid briefed the cabinet on the Ease of Doing Business Act 2026.
Addressing the first cabinet meeting, Gillani emphasized creating facilities for the people to restore their confidence. He urged the cabinet and bureaucracy to work together.
In addition, the Prime Minister directed all departments to amend their rules as per the Third Party Recruitment Act, adding that the recruitments will be made through third parties purely on the basis of merit and ability.
He also instructed that a “Complaints Desk” be set up in the Prime Minister’s Office until the activation of the complaints portal.
“Governance does not require money but a change in attitude and style. We will have to change the governance attitude in any case. Whoever does not support us cannot remain a part of our team,” the premier added.
Addressing the meeting participants, Gillani urged them to work as per the vision of PML-N President Nawaz Sharif, Prime Minister of Pakistan Shahbaz Sharif, and Chief Minister of Punjab Maryam Nawaz.
He also directed the district administration to create facilities for the citizens, adding that issues including public lands should be resolved immediately and no one’s rights should be denied under any circumstances.
