AJK’s Newly Elected PM Faisal Rathore Announces Key Reforms, Abolishes Special and Senior Secretary Posts

ISLAMABAD – Newly elected Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Raja Faisal Mumtaz Rathore, has announced major administrative and judicial reforms, including the abolition of the Special Secretary and Senior Secretary positions.

Addressing the assembly for the first time following his successful no-confidence motion against former PM Anwar-ul-Haq, Rathore said he would form a 20-member cabinet to efficiently manage state affairs and strengthen ties with Pakistan.

آزاد کشمیر کے منتخب وزیر اعظم فیصل ممتاز راٹھور نے کہا کہ مظفرآباد پہلی مرتبہ ہوا کہ جانے والی وزیر اعظم آنے والے وزیر اعظم کو خوش آمدید کہا۔سابق وزیر اعظم کی قلم میں تب حرکت ہوتی تھی جب بھونچال آتا تھا۔چند فیصلے غلط بھی ہوئے،عوام مسائل کو ضرر حل کرنا ہے لیکن وسائل اندر رہ کر pic.twitter.com/YsS4R296Ff

— Saqib Ali Rathore (@SaqibAliRathore) November 17, 2025

He emphasized fiscal prudence, stating that each secretary will now have only one official vehicle, and pledged reforms in the judiciary. Rathore also announced additional measures, including equal employment opportunities for women in government services and an extra month’s salary for Grade 1 employees.

Rathore expressed gratitude to political leaders, including Asif Zardari, Bilawal Bhutto, and Shahbaz Sharif, for their support, and stressed that his government would work within available resources to address public issues efficiently.

Highlighting transparency, he noted that his personal assets are available for public scrutiny even after assuming office, and committed to timely decision-making, contrasting his approach with that of the former prime minister.