Pakistan’s government has dissolved the Ministry of States and Frontier Regions (SAFRON) and incorporated its functions into the Ministry of Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB). This decision follows the recommendations of the Rightsizing Committee.
The administrative wing of SAFRON will be disbanded, and a special committee will be established to determine the future management of Jammu and Kashmir State Properties. Sources indicate that state properties will be sold as necessary, with the revenue generated earmarked for the welfare of Azad Kashmir and GB regions.
Furthermore, the Directorate of Health Services (DHS) for Kashmir and GB is under review, with plans to transition control to the Azad Kashmir government. The management of DHS funding for GB will be coordinated with the Ministry of Health.
Additionally, the Jammu and Kashmir Refugee Rehabilitation Organization will be dissolved. Staff reductions are planned within the Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan Councils and in the Chief Commissioner’s Office for Afghan Refugees.
In a related development, the Secretary of the Planning Commission informed a Senate Committee that the ministry had recommended the dissolution of the CPEC Authority. A summary to dissolve the authority has been submitted to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
