Islamabad: The government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) has announced plans to establish industrial zones and offer incentives to investors as part of its strategy to boost economic growth and address rising unemployment in the region.
AJK Prime Minister Faisal Mumtaz Rathore briefed media on Wednesday, highlighting the importance of investment from overseas Kashmiris in achieving sustainable development and strengthening the private sector. He said an upcoming overseas convention aims to directly involve the diaspora in economic development and build investor confidence.
“Unemployment is one of the biggest challenges in the region. The public sector alone cannot meet the growing demand for jobs,” Rathore said. He added that the government’s role is to create a conducive environment for private sector investment through the development of industrial zones.
The prime minister also pointed to the tourism sector as a key area for investment, noting that the industry has the potential to generate thousands of local jobs. He emphasized that attracting investment would help retain skilled labor within the region and reduce the need for workers to seek opportunities abroad.
Rathore said that within the first 100 days of the current government, political stagnation has been addressed and public confidence restored. He also highlighted the government’s engagement with the media, calling responsible journalism a cornerstone of democratic values and a tool for constructive public discourse.
The government’s initiative seeks to combine private investment, industrial development, and tourism promotion to create employment opportunities, encourage diaspora participation, and strengthen AJK’s economic infrastructure.
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