ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan government has decided to ‘dissolve’ the Ministry of States and Frontier Regions (SAFRON) and merge into the Ministry of Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), following recommendations from the Rightsizing Committee.
The administrative wing of the Ministry of SAFRON will be dissolved, and a special committee will be formed to determine the future of Jammu & Kashmir State Properties.
Sources indicated that the sale of state properties will occur as needed, with the revenue generated earmarked for the welfare of Azad Kashmir and GB.
Additionally, the Directorate of Health Services (DHS) for Kashmir and GB will undergo a review, with plans to transfer control to the Azad Kashmir government. Funding for DHS in GB will be managed in consultation with the Ministry of Health, according to the sources.
The Jammu and Kashmir Refugee Rehabilitation Organization is also set to be dissolved, leading to staff reductions in the Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan Councils, as well as in the Chief Commissioner’s Office for Afghan Refugees.
Earlier, the Secretary of the Planning Commission informed the Senate Committee that the planning ministry has recommended the dissolution of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Authority.
“A summary has been forwarded by the Planning Commission to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for the dissolution of the authority,” a planning commission official stated during the meeting. “The Prime Minister has authorized the Rightsizing Committee to proceed with the dissolution.”
