MUZAFFARABAD: Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Prime Minister Faisal Mumtaz Rathore has directed all government departments to ensure timely and effective utilisation of development funds, warning that unutilised allocations could be reallocated to better-performing sectors.

He issued these directions while chairing a development review meeting attended by ministers, administrative secretaries and heads of various departments.

During the meeting, Secretary Planning and Development Aamir Latif Awan briefed participants on targets and progress under the annual development programme. He said the federal government had so far released Rs35 billion, out of which around Rs28 billion had been disbursed to departments. However, he added, under the austerity policy of the prime minister of Pakistan, Rs3 billion would either be returned or adjusted in the next release. So far, 66 per cent of the released funds had been utilized, he said.

Mr Rathore noted that little time remained before the close of the ongoing fiscal year and stressed that all departments must complete legal formalities and ensure prompt utilisation of funds.

He directed departments unable to spend their allocations within the stipulated time to inform the authorities within a week so that funds could be diverted to projects where physical progress had already been achieved.

He also asked all secretaries to finalise their planning within a week, saying a follow-up review would be conducted thereafter.

Regarding the Local Government and Rural Development Department, the prime minister directed the relevant authorities to prepare a separate briefing to ensure transparent and timely utilisation of funds.

He further called for a comprehensive policy to shift Grade-IV employees, who had long been paid from the development budget, to the regular budget to meet permanent staffing needs, reduce pressure on development funds and safeguard employees’ future.

Referring to the Mirpur water supply project, Mr Rathore said it was vital for residents and instructed officials to prepare a detailed briefing in consultation with stakeholders to expedite its completion.

Terming development funds a public trust, he said projects addressing public needs must be completed on a priority basis.

Published in Dawn, May 1st, 2026