Muzaffarabad (Web Desk): Newly elected Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Prime Minister Raja Faisal Mumtaz Rathore on Monday outlined his priorities for governance moments after taking charge as Leader of the House in the Legislative Assembly.
Addressing lawmakers for the first time in his new role, Rathore introduced a set of structural changes, beginning with a proposal to restrict the total number of secretaries to 20.
He promised sweeping administrative improvements, tighter financial management and ongoing engagement with the civil society alliance, assuring that his government intended to show real progress within the next six to seven months.
Thanking God for what he called a heavy but meaningful responsibility, he said divine duties were always accompanied by the strength to carry them out.
Reflecting on his political roots, he recalled how former prime ministers Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto had entrusted major responsibilities to his father, including the office of prime minister.
He added that Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari had placed similar trust in him, noting that the mandate he received represented the collective will of everyone who supported him.
He also remarked on the uncommon courtesy shown by outgoing Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwar-ul-Haq, who “welcomed the incoming prime minister while departing.”
Nonetheless, Rathore observed that the previous administration often responded only when the region was jolted by an “earthquake-like situation,” a pointed reference to the widespread JAAC protests that had resulted in several deaths.
Acknowledging past mistakes, the 47-year-old leader described the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee as a reality that could not be ignored.
He said some of the committee’s demands were legitimate while others were more aspirational, but pledged that his government would keep the conversation going.
Rathore said his administration would work within existing resources to address public concerns, admitting that certain issues had been needlessly delayed in the past.
“As prime minister, I assure you that there will be no delay from my pen,” he vowed.
Rejecting the idea that politicians live above ordinary means, Rathore shared that his father had built only one house in Muzaffarabad with the help of friends — a house he later sold to finance his election campaign. He invited anyone to examine his assets even after his term ends.
He further stated that all lawmakers who joined the PPP to help form the new government were now part of the party and would stand in the next general elections under its banner.
Pointing to the tense political climate, marked by protests and weakened leadership, he said strengthening AJK’s bond with Pakistan was essential.
Rathore added that if his government delivered on its commitments in the months ahead, he would be content serving as an ordinary member in the next assembly.
Announcing his reforms agenda, the newly elected AJK premier said that each secretary would be allowed only one official vehicle and that only 20 secretary-level positions would remain in the system, with the rest to be abolished.
He also declared that the positions of special secretary and senior additional secretary would be removed.
Rathore proposed merging technical roles in the Education Department, hiring for new posts through third-party recruitment and introducing a new transport policy under which surplus government vehicles would be moved to a central pool until the policy was finalised.
He promised equal job opportunities for women, committed to judicial reforms and said his government would reopen talks with the federal government on hydropower agreements affecting AJK.
Rathore announced an upgrade of drivers’ posts to grade-5, along with an extra month’s salary for all grade-1 employees.
Faisal Mumtaz reaffirmed AJK’s firm support for the people of occupied Kashmir.
Earlier today, the AJK Legislative Assembly elected Pakistan Peoples Party’s (PPP) Raja Faisal Mumtaz Rathore as the prime minister after passing a no-confidence motion against Chaudhry Anwarul Haq.
The no-confidence motion secured the backing of 36 lawmakers, including members of the PPP and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), while two legislators voted in opposition.
Rathore is the 16th lawmaker to assume the office of AJK prime minister since the region adopted a parliamentary system in 1975.