Gilgit: The Gilgit-Baltistan cabinet held its second meeting under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Amjad Hussain, approving a series of major policy decisions aimed at strengthening governance, education, and employment across the province.
Financial Discipline and Customs Benefits
The Chief Minister said the newly approved Financial Control and Budgeting Rules would help ensure financial discipline, improve public service delivery, and promote good governance in the province.
He further stated that the benefits of customs tax exemptions granted by the federal government should reach small traders and the general public of Gilgit-Baltistan. With this objective in mind, a new policy has been approved to ensure local residents and young people can fully benefit from these exemptions.
Authority Over Nambardar Appointments
The cabinet clarified that Deputy Commissioners do not have the authority to appoint Additional Nambardars. In accordance with the applicable laws under the Land Revenue Act, this authority has now been assigned to the Senior Member Board of Revenue (SMBR).
End to Temporary Employment Exploitation
The provincial government reaffirmed its commitment to ending the financial exploitation of employees hired on a temporary basis. It has been decided to replace contingent (temporary) jobs with permanent recruitment, and all relevant departments have been directed to advertise vacant positions through the Gilgit-Baltistan Testing Service and the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC).
Education Reforms in Remote Areas
The government announced plans to improve education quality in underdeveloped and remote areas. As part of this effort, the “Home Schools” in Diamer will be converted into government schools within one year, while new schools will be established in areas currently lacking them. The Chief Minister also directed the Provincial Secretary for School Education to ensure implementation of the School Education Regulation Act for the regularization of private schools.
Electoral and Local Government Reforms
Chief Minister Amjad Hussain affirmed that, alongside political parties, independent candidates retain the full right to contest elections. He said powers would be devolved to the grassroots level through the local government system to address people’s basic problems at their doorsteps, adding that all political parties would be consulted on necessary amendments to the Local Government Act.
Health Sector Measures
The Chief Minister emphasized that the doctors’ transfer and posting policy must be implemented transparently and uniformly to ensure no doctor faces unfair treatment. The cabinet also approved an agreement between the Waste Management Department and the Health Department to improve sanitation and waste management systems at district headquarters hospitals.