ISLAMABAD: A parliamentary committee on Kashmir has directed the Ministry of Kashmir Affairs to coordinate with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to provide a detailed briefing to the committee on the diplomatic efforts and engagement for the solution of Kashmir issue.

The committee recommended engaging media and civil society, especially local and international NGOs working in the field of human rights, to intensify lobbying for the Kashmir cause.

The National Assembly Standing Committee on Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan met in Parliament House on Thursday to review the workings and performance of Ministry of Kashmir Affairs. MNA Haji Imtiaz Ahmed Choudhry chaired the meeting.

Earlier, Secretary Ministry of Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan provided a comprehensive briefing on the working and performance of the ministry and its attached departments. The secretary informed the meeting that the Ministry of Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan is a small ministry with five departments working under it. The total budget of the ministry is Rs1, 388.77 million.

The secretary said that the prime responsibility of the ministry is to facilitate and act as a bridge between the governments of AJK and GB.

The main function of the ministry is to formulate policy and planning for Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The funds for GB are provided by federal government in the form of grants, and PSDP projects are also being funded by the federal government.

The briefing highlighted the purpose of Gilgit-Baltistan Council and Azad Kashmir Council in strengthening connection between the federation and these two regions. It was emphasised that councils play a pivotal role in fostering collaboration and ensuring the regions’ interests are aligned with national goals.

The meeting was attended by Mohammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, Mohammad Azhar Khan Leghari, Ms Kiran Imran Dar, Dr Nikhat Shakeel Khan, Ms. Munaza Hassan, Ms. Farakh Khan, Mian Ghous Muhammad, and senior officers from ministry of Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit Baltistan and its attached departments and organisations.

Published in Dawn, January 3rd, 2025