Muzaffarabad: A high-level meeting chaired by Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Faisal Mumtaz Rathore, was held to review preparations for the upcoming Overseas Kashmiris Conference. The meeting discussed the objectives, strategic planning, priorities, and expected outcomes of the conference.
Detailed deliberations were held on investment-friendly opportunities in Azad Kashmir, particularly in the tourism, IT, power, and hydel power sectors, aimed at ensuring rapid economic development. Participants reaffirmed that the Prime Minister’s vision behind the Overseas Kashmiris Conference is to strengthen economic growth in Azad Kashmir and build a strong, sustainable, and long-term partnership between overseas Kashmiris and the local population.
The meeting decided to welcome investment in tourism, IT, power, and hydel sectors, and to notify a special committee to address the issues faced by overseas Kashmiris on a priority basis. Immediate steps were also approved to combat unemployment, develop infrastructure, promote industries, and improve tourism-related facilities for economic uplift.
The Prime Minister directed relevant forums to identify investment-potential sectors and locations across Azad Kashmir and prepare clear, actionable investment proposals, enabling the government to implement an effective economic development strategy.
The meeting was attended by Senior Minister Mian Abdul Waheed, Ministers Sardar Javed Ayub, Chaudhry Qasim Majeed, Sardar Zia-ul-Qamar, Advisor Sardar Fahad Yaqoob, Chief Secretary Khushhal Khan, senior secretaries, TEVTA Chairman Chaudhry Tayyab, and other officials. Suggestions were also sought from participants, and instructions were issued to develop a future roadmap.
Addressing the meeting, Prime Minister Faisal Mumtaz Rathore said that overseas Kashmiris are the real strength of Azad Kashmir and that the Overseas Kashmiris Conference would prove to be a game-changer initiative. He stated that the government is committed to strengthening ties with overseas Kashmiris and, with their cooperation, taking concrete steps to improve the economic conditions of the people of Azad Kashmir.
He further said that vast investment opportunities exist in tourism, industry, energy, and IT sectors. The system is being simplified and made more transparent, while Special Economic Zones and a one-window operation will be introduced to attract investors. The Prime Minister assured that investors would be provided a secure and profitable environment, with priority also given to local communities.