MIRPUR, June 29: Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Finance Minister Chaudhry Qasim Majeed on Monday presented a record Rs286 billion budget for the fiscal year 2026-27 in the Legislative Assembly, describing it as the largest financial plan in the region’s history. The budget aims to strengthen education, healthcare, infrastructure and economic development while improving the quality of life for people across AJK, according to APP.
Presenting the budget during the assembly session in Muzaffarabad, the finance minister said the total outlay represents an increase of Rs23.835 billion over the revised estimate of Rs262.165 billion for the current fiscal year. Of the total amount, Rs36 billion has been allocated for development projects, while Rs250 billion has been earmarked for non-development expenditures. The government expects to collect Rs75.2 billion in tax revenue, while the federal variable grant has been estimated at Rs146 billion.
Education emerged as one of the government’s top priorities. Under the Education Package 2026, the government will create 3,308 new teaching posts, rationalise 1,629 existing positions, upgrade 709 educational institutions, strengthen more than 300 schools, establish 109 new educational institutions and create 726 additional posts in higher education.
The health sector will also receive significant support. Several Basic Health Units will be upgraded to Rural Health Centres, while selected Rural Health Centres will become Tehsil Headquarters Hospitals. The budget also includes plans for a modern cardiac hospital at Chakswari and higher stipends for house officers and postgraduate medical trainees.
To improve public safety, the government announced the establishment of a Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) within the AJK Police with 473 new posts. A comprehensive martyrs’ package was also introduced, offering compensation between Rs100 million and Rs200 million, along with continued salary and service benefits for the families of martyred police personnel.
The Annual Development Programme (ADP) has been set at Rs36 billion, with major investments planned in roads, bridges, electricity transmission and public infrastructure. The government also pledged to establish IT Excellence Centres in every district, digitise land records, expand telehealth services and promote agriculture through fruit plantation, livestock support and interest-free loans for youth and low-income families.
Concluding his speech, Majeed said the budget introduces climate and gender budget tagging for the first time, expressing confidence that the measures will promote sustainable development, create employment opportunities and build a stronger, more self-reliant and prosperous Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
