MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Iftikhar Gilani, has announced plans to introduce loan schemes on easy terms to empower youth and skilled individuals economically and create new employment opportunities.
The premier expressed these views while presiding over a meeting of the Bank of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, where he directed the authorities concerned to prepare and present a comprehensive plan for the promotion of industry, expansion of business activities, and creation of self-employment opportunities.
Minister for Tourism, Industries and Mineral Resources Chaudhry Abdul Rehman, Principal Secretary Sardar Adnan Khurshid, and President AJK Bank Babar Ayaz attended the meeting.
The meeting reviewed the performance of the bank, future plans, facilities provided to the public and issues to make the institution more active and stable.
President of the Bank of AJK, Ayaz Babar, gave a detailed briefing to the Prime Minister on the performance of the bank and various measures.
The meeting was informed that, after fulfilling all requirements of the State Bank of Pakistan, an application had been submitted for the bank’s scheduling.
Officials said that after obtaining scheduled bank status, the institution would be able to further expand the scope of its services and strengthen its role in the financial sector.
Prime Minister Gilani directed the bank to make its loan schemes more convenient, transparent, and effective in accordance with public needs.
He stressed that priority should be given to youth, skilled workers, small business owners, and individuals seeking to establish household-level businesses and self-employment opportunities.
He said that promoting economic activities in Azad Kashmir, encouraging the business community and providing decent employment to the youth are among the top priorities of the government.
