MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Faisal Mumtaz Rathore, has announced the establishment of Real Estate Special Courts, a web portal for quick redressal of grievances of overseas Kashmiris, and the establishment of a one-window operation to promote investment.
Addressing an Overseas Kashmiri Convention in Muzaffarabad today, he said that today’s conference is not a formal gathering but a practical start to a bright and economically stable future for Azad Kashmir.
“We have come to lay the foundation for changing the situation. Now is the time to move away from the traditional way of thinking and take out-of-the-box decisions,” Rathore said.
He added that the Overseas Kashmir Conference is a comprehensive roadmap for the best economic future of the state, which the government has made its top priority.
“Restoring the confidence of investors is the primary responsibility of the government.” The premier further added that concrete steps have been taken for investment in the state.
The premier stated that we are talking about generational benefits; we are making a policy from which future generations will also benefit.
Initiatives to promote Investment
The prime minister said that the government has decided to establish Real Estate Special Courts, which will be bound to pronounce decisions within ninety days.
“This step will make the investment process transparent and fast, while at the same time providing complete legal protection to government decisions,” he said.
Addressing the overseas, he added that the existing laws will be reviewed, and if necessary, new legislation will be enacted so that there is no obstacle left in the promotion of business and industry.
“There will be no interruption in our policy; we will move forward continuously and provide a clean and stable environment to investors.”
Moreover, he claimed that concrete steps have been taken for investment in the state.
“Six industrial units are available in Mirpur, while the plan to establish a dry port is also under completion, which will facilitate the process of imports and exports.”
Furthermore, he announced that one-window operations, including registration, licensing, and certification, have been formally launched, with the support of NADRA.
This system is being made more integrated and digital so that investors are relieved of unnecessary office steps, he added.
In addition to that, he said that information technology and artificial intelligence are the foundation of a modern economy, and moving Azad Kashmir towards a digital economy is a top priority of the government.
“Practical work has started on IT parks, while a high-speed internet facility will be provided by laying PTCL fiber wire,” Rathore added.
The Prime Minister said that the government will introduce special programs to provide training to the youth in the fields of IT, software development, freelancing, e-commerce, and artificial intelligence so that new employment opportunities can be created and the state can gain a prominent position in the field of IT exports.
He welcomed the provision of employment to 4,000 youth by MTBC and said that this is proof that if the right environment is provided, Azad Kashmir can become an IT hub.
Center of Gemstones
The premier also announced the establishment of the “Center of Gemstones” in Muzaffarabad, adding that Azad Kashmir is rich in natural resources.
“There are immense investment opportunities in the sector of rare earth minerals, gemstones and other minerals.”
The future belongs to sustainable energy, and priority will be given to investment in renewable energy projects, including solar energy, he maintained.
Addressing the convention, the Prime Minister said that sustainable tourism is an important part of the government’s policy. “
The natural beauty of Kashmir will be combined with world-class tourism infrastructure to improve the business and tourism environment.”
He reiterated the commitment that it is the responsibility of the government to take the Kashmir freedom movement to its logical conclusion and align the economic development of the state with it.
The Prime Minister of Azad Kashmir said that our relationship with Pakistan is based on the word, Pakistan’s success is our success.
“We are empowered in our identity, legislation, and economic policy-making and will use this authority for the welfare of the people.”
The Prime Minister said that Overseas Kashmiris are a valuable asset of the state and the architects of the future.
With the establishment of the Overseas Commission and the Overseas Commissioner, their problems will be resolved on a priority basis, and they will be facilitated at every stage of investment.
“This is the beginning of a bright future. Today is a very important day. The purpose for which you have come here will be implemented. Together, we will put Azad Kashmir on its feet and make it a new example of development, stability, and prosperity,” he concluded.
