Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Finance Minister Qasim Majeed introduced a Rs286 billion budget for the fiscal year 2026-27 on Monday, outlining a 7 percent increase in salaries and pensions for government employees. This budget also allocates substantial funds for social welfare, women’s empowerment, sports, tourism, and transport development.
During the presentation in the AJK Legislative Assembly, the finance minister emphasized that despite fiscal constraints, the regional government would match the federal government’s salary and pension increments to enhance the financial well-being of public sector workers.
Significant growth is evident in the social welfare sector, which received a budget of Rs110 million for 2026-27, a sharp rise from Rs21.5 million in the previous year. The allocation will support the construction of a hostel at the National Special Education Centre in Muzaffarabad, a new social welfare directorate building, and the establishment of special education centers in Bagh and Neelum districts. Additionally, child protection units are planned for Mirpur and Kotli.
The women’s development department’s budget has nearly doubled to Rs110 million from Rs58.3 million last year. The government intends to continue vocational training for women in modern trades, alongside providing legal, medical, and residential assistance. Approximately 200 women benefit annually from government-run shelter homes. The budget also includes the creation of gender forums to address the increasing cases of violence against women.
In the sports, youth, and culture sector, the budget proposes Rs350 million for 2026-27, up from Rs228.8 million in 2025-26. The minister noted that the first phase of upgrading sports facilities at educational institutions and community grounds is mostly complete, with additional improvements made at stadiums in Muzaffarabad and Dadyal.
New projects include constructing the first sports stadium in Haveli district, new stadiums in Hattian Bala, Dhamas, and Potha Bainsi, upgrading the Rawalakot Sports Complex, installing a synthetic hockey turf in Doodyal, and developing mini sports grounds throughout AJK.
Tourism funding sees a dramatic increase to Rs300 million, compared to Rs29 million in the previous fiscal year. Planned initiatives involve restoring the historic Muzaffarabad Fort, enhancing tourist spots, repairing central rest houses for tourists, strengthening the tourism department, and launching four new green and sustainable tourism projects.
Moreover, the government plans to develop master plans for tourist sites, conduct comprehensive studies of existing tourism assets, carry out feasibility studies for water bodies at Nala Mahl in Bagh and Nala Kain in Rawalakot, and preserve archaeological heritage locations.
The transport sector is allocated Rs150 million, which includes introducing a computerized fitness certification system for public transport vehicles. Meanwhile, the wildlife and fisheries department received Rs20 million to support biodiversity conservation and fish breeding projects.
In a significant development, the finance minister highlighted that the proposed budget reflects the government’s dedication to enhancing public services, advancing tourism, supporting vulnerable groups, and expanding infrastructure despite ongoing financial challenges.
