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MUZAFFARABAD, Nov 17 (APP): Newly elected Prime Minister of Azad Government of the State of Jammu and Kashmir, Raja Faisal Mumtaz Rathore, has said that he is grateful to Allah Almighty for entrusting a political worker like him with the responsibility of the premiership, calling it a great honour.
He stated that his government intends to deliver results within a short period. “I will present my assets from 10–15 years ago as well as the assets I hold when I leave office. I will conduct all affairs with sincerity and integrity,” he said in his address to the Legislative Assembly after being elected Prime Minister.
Raja Faisal Mumtaz Rathore said that former Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto appointed his father, Raja Mumtaz Hussain Rathore, as Senior Minister, and later Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto appointed him Prime Minister, while Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has now placed his trust in him by nominating him as Leader of the House—trust that spans half a century.
He expressed gratitude to President Asif Ali Zardari, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Mohtarma Faryal Talpur, Chaudhry Riaz, his parliamentary party, and all members who voted for him. He also thanked PML-N parliamentarians and Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif.
Speaking about his family background, Rathore said his late mother was a courageous woman whose guidance and affection gave him strength. He also thanked the people of Haveli for electing him, adding that outward appearance or simple clothing should not be mistaken for a lack of capability, as he has always pursued politics with dignity.
Rejecting the perception that rulers seek office for luxury or personal gain, he said, “The biggest sacrifices are made by politicians. My father held high positions, yet he built only one house in his lifetime—with the support of friends—which I later sold during the 2021 elections.”
He said that this is an era driven by narratives and that the assembly members who joined the Pakistan Peoples Party would have done so even without the formation of a PPP-led government. “No one here is all-knowing; learning continues till the grave,” he remarked. He assured the opposition of full cooperation, especially in the equitable distribution of development funds.
The Prime Minister paid rich tribute to the Pakistan Army, saying their sacrifices—whether during earthquakes, floods, or under Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad—remain unparalleled. He also saluted the Kashmiris living across the Line of Control, expressing hope that the day is not far when Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir will also be free.
Outlining his reform agenda, he said, “InshaAllah, not only faces but the entire system will witness change—and that will be our real success.” He announced that secretaries would be entitled to use only one official vehicle, and the number of secretaries would not exceed 20. He abolished the posts of Senior Additional Secretaries and Additional Secretaries, and pledged to carry out downsizing at all levels. The Technical Education & Vocational Training Authority (TEVTA) will be merged into the Education Department, and a new transport policy will be formulated. Until that policy is implemented, no officer below Grade 18—except administration, police, and monitoring assistant engineers—will be allowed to use official vehicles. All departments must submit their extra vehicles to the transport pool within a week. He vowed zero compromise on biometric attendance.
Rathore announced reactivation of the Public Service Commission (PSC) and cancellation of notifications that had withdrawn vacancies advertised through PSC up to January 1, 2020. The PSC will conduct exams within a month and appoint successful candidates.
He also announced that, except for posts with a 100% quota, all recruitments up to Grade 18 will have a minimum of 50% direct quota. A uniform time-scale policy for all departments has been approved, and no time scale will be granted above Grade 19. In departments where posts of Section Officers and Assistant Directors exist, all caretaker posts will be abolished.
To address public grievances, open courts will be held in every district by the Prime Minister, ministers, chief secretary, departmental secretaries, and heads of departments. Complaint boxes will also be placed in the offices of the Prime Minister and Chief Secretary, to be opened every 15 days under their supervision.
He further announced that judicial reforms would be introduced in consultation with the higher judiciary to ensure administrative justice. He committed to working with PML-N leadership to secure a federal agreement on hydel projects, improving internet speed, and strengthening the local government system.
He announced regularisation of all Grade 1 employees serving on permanent posts, provided they are free from litigation and do not affect others’ vested rights. All Grade 1 employees will receive an additional month’s salary, to be paid by their respective departments from development budgets. Drivers will be upgraded to BPS-5. Police constables will receive all benefits equivalent to those in Punjab, and police personnel performing VIP duties will also receive TA/DA like other employees. A 60-day remission in sentences for prisoners in all AJK jails was announced, excluding those convicted under Hudood, Qisas, Diyat, espionage, anti-state activities, and terrorism charges.
He said the political deadlock has ended today, and the positive atmosphere witnessed in the Assembly reflects the return of a political-party-led government—something the public had long awaited. He acknowledged that the premiership is a bed of thorns, not roses, but expressed hope that with support from colleagues and party workers, it could turn into a bed of flowers.
Speaking about the previous government, he said decisions were generally made only when crises emerged, and many of their policies suffered due to delays. Regarding the Action Committee, he said it represents a ground reality and must be taken along. “Multiple rounds of dialogue have been held. The people’s issues must be resolved—within available resources. As Prime Minister, whenever a matter can be resolved with the power of the pen, I will not delay even for a moment.”
He said Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has directed that all issues within the jurisdiction of the AJK government must be resolved without delay, while the federal government will guarantee matters falling under its domain.
Concluding his address, he said that if his government delivers in the next eight to nine months and the PPP returns to power based on performance, he would proudly serve as an MLA again in the next term.