MUZAFFARABAD: The Azad Jammu and Kashmir cabinet on Wednesday took a number of important decisions after deliberating on key administrative, educational, welfare and development-related matters, including the issuance of a health card in the region.

The cabinet meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Faisal Mumtaz Rathore, also reviewed progress on the implementation of the agreement reached with the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC).

According to a press release, the cabinet approved the restoration of ministers’ discretionary funds. It also approved relaxation in the upper age limit for government employment for the brother of Shaheed Sajjad Resham, and compensation for the heirs of Zahid Qureshi, who was martyred in Bagh.

The cabinet further approved the allocation and transfer of state land (Khalsa Sarkar) in Haveli for the establishment of a Danish School, as well as finishing expenses for the Gemstones Centre of Excellence.

To resolve matters related to the Healthcare Hospital Mirpur, the cabinet constituted a committee comprising ministers Syed Bazil Ali Naqvi, Chaudhry Qasim Majeed and Chaudhry Arshad, along with Chief Secretary Khushal Khan, with directions to settle the issues at the earliest.

In order to prevent the loss of children’s education, the cabinet decided to allow co-education up to the primary level in remote areas where separate primary school buildings for boys and girls are not available in proportion to student strength, until such schools are constructed.

Addressing the meeting, Prime Minister Rathore said the AJK government was giving top priority to public welfare, education, healthcare and development projects. He said complete implementation of the agreement with JAAC would be ensured, adding that the government was serious and committed to resolving public issues.

The prime minister said reforms in the health sector were indispensable, and that the issuance of the health card would provide the common citizen with direct access to quality medical treatment. He added that new development projects and initiatives in the energy sector would promote sustainable development in the state. He directed the relevant departments to ensure timely and effective implementation of cabinet decisions.

The cabinet unanimously adopted a resolution presented by Information Minister Chaudhry Rafique Nayyar, condemning violations of Kashmiris’ right to self-determination, the illegal detention of Hurriyat leader Muhammad Yasin Malik, and grave human rights abuses being committed by Indian forces in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir; congratulating the Pakistan Air Force on the successful development of the “Taimur” defence system; and paying tribute to the Pakistan Army for the successful heli-rescue operation in Leepa Valley.

The prime minister said the nation was proud of the professional capabilities and sacrifices of its brave armed forces, which have been playing a commendable role in the defence of the country, national security, and the protection of lives and property during natural disasters.

Published in Dawn, January 29th, 2026