Muzaffarabad, June 18, 2025 – The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) government presented a tax-free budget of Rs310.2 billion for the fiscal year 2025-26, marking an 8.62 billion increase from the previous year, Finance Minister Abdul Majid Khan announced during a Legislative Assembly session on Wednesday.
The budget allocates Rs261 billion for non-development expenditures and Rs49 billion for development projects, aiming to drive economic growth and public welfare. Key initiatives include Rs2 billion for a health card program to enhance healthcare access, Rs240 million for school upgrades and new educational institutions, and Rs60 million to address teacher shortages. A biometric attendance system has been introduced across departments to improve administrative efficiency.
Additionally, Rs3.799 billion is earmarked for food subsidies to ensure affordable flour for residents, while Rs1.5 billion is allocated to the information and communication sector to bolster digital infrastructure. The deficit-free budget reflects a focus on sustainable development, with significant contributions expected from federal grants and inland revenue.
The session faced disruptions as opposition members staged a protest, locking the assembly doors to delay proceedings. Finance Minister Khan condemned the action as “unparliamentary” and urged the opposition to voice concerns formally within the assembly. Despite the unrest, the budget was unanimously approved, signaling robust support for the government’s fiscal strategy.
