Muzzaffarabad, Pakistan administrated Jammu & Kashmir: In a region grappling with poverty, unemployment, and financial mismanagement, the ruling elite of Pakistan-administered Jammu and Kashmir have come under fire for significantly increasing their own privileges over the past six years, raising serious concerns about governance and priorities.
According to the 2023 population survey, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) has a population of approximately 2.7 million. Out of this, around 130,000 individuals are dependent on the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), highlighting the region’s socio-economic challenges. The unemployment rate stands at a concerning 14.5%.
A new initiative under the name “Social Protection Programme” saw the collection of nearly 100,000 applications. However, investigations are ongoing after it was found that a significant portion of applicants did not meet eligibility criteria. Still, around 148,000 families have come to rely on the scheme.
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Despite these growing public welfare needs, AJK’s non-developmental budget stands at a staggering PKR 220 billion, with a reported deficit of PKR 19 billion. Of this, only PKR 96 billion is generated through local revenues, while the rest—over PKR 105 billion—is covered through grants from the federal government of Pakistan.
A breakdown of expenditures reveals that PKR 48 billion goes to salaries, PKR 41 billion on allowances, and PKR 43 billion on pensions, totaling PKR 132 billion. Additional spending includes PKR 21 billion in miscellaneous grants, PKR 23.5 billion in wheat subsidies, and PKR 1 billion for public healthcare medications—compared to PKR 340 million allocated solely for bureaucrats’ medicines. After accounting for these figures, approximately PKR 121 billion remains unaccounted for, with no clear documentation of its utilization.
Adding to the controversy, legislation passed in December 2023 has awarded generous benefits to former Prime Ministers of AJK. Under the new law, ex-premiers are entitled to a 3,000cc government vehicle, three police personnel, a driver, and a Grade-16 assistant. Previously, they were allowed 1,800cc vehicles and a Grade-11 assistant. They now also receive unrestricted access to government guesthouses.
Each former PM is further entitled to PKR 50,000 monthly in house rent—despite many owning multiple properties in Muzaffarabad and Islamabad—and 450 liters of free fuel.
These privileges were quietly approved during a legislative session on November 30, 2023, where seven bills were introduced. One such bill, sponsored by senior PML-N leader Waqar Noor and supported by PPP and PTI, proposed increasing ministers’ daily allowances by PKR 5,000 and salaries by PKR 100,000. However, public backlash prevented its passage.
Critics argue that these measures reflect a severe disconnect between elected representatives and the people they serve. With widespread dissatisfaction and growing public pressure, calls are mounting for transparency, accountability, and a redirection of public funds toward essential services and development.
As economic inequality deepens, analysts warn that unless systemic reforms are introduced, public trust in governance will continue to erode in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
