MUZAFFARABAD: (By Arqam Maqbool) – Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Prime Minister Faisal Mumtaz Rathore on Sunday described the overseas Kashmiris as a valuable asset to the state and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to strengthening engagement with them, benefiting from their expertise, and creating opportunities for their meaningful participation in the region’s development.
In a special message on the eve of the Overseas Kashmiris Convention, the prime minister said the diaspora had played a significant role in the socio-economic uplift of the region and that the forthcoming event aimed to integrate them into development initiatives, utilise their professional experience, and generate investment opportunities.
He said the convention – being organised by the AJK government in collaboration with the Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF) at a local hotel on Monday – was an important event for the state. It would inform overseas Kashmiris about development priorities, available investment avenues and facilities being extended to investors.
Mr Rathore said the government was working to establish an integrated mechanism to ensure secure investment opportunities for overseas Kashmiris and to address their grievances through practical and result-oriented measures.
Among the key initiatives linked to the convention, he highlighted the establishment of a dedicated court for overseas Kashmiris, the launch of a prime minister’s web portal — to be connected with the Pakistani prime minister’s portal — for prompt resolution of complaints, and the introduction of a one-window operation to facilitate investment.
He said the convention would feature panel discussions and policy dialogues involving representatives of overseas Kashmiris from various sectors, business leaders, bureaucrats and members of civil society. Their recommendations would help frame a comprehensive policy.
Investment proposals in sectors such as information technology, energy and water resources, industries, tourism and minerals would also be presented to attract investors, he added.
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Inviting members of the Joint Awami Action Committee to attend the conference, the prime minister urged them to join hands with the government in paving the way for a brighter future instead of resorting to protest measures.
He expressed hope that the convention would prove to be a milestone in promoting cooperation, development and stronger ties between the state and the overseas community.
Meanwhile, AJK Chief Secretary Khushal Khan on Sunday visited the venue of the convention to review arrangements and expressed satisfaction over the preparations.
Senior police and administration officials briefed him on security, accommodation, reception arrangements and other administrative matters. The chief secretary directed them to leave no stone unturned to ensure maximum facilitation for guests arriving from abroad.
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