Muzaffarabad: Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Prime Minister Raja Faisal Mumtaz Rathore on Monday announced a set of policy and legal measures aimed at boosting investment, streamlining real estate processes, and promoting information technology in the region.
The announcements were made during the first Overseas Kashmiris Convention, organized by the AJK government in collaboration with the Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OFP). The convention brought together overseas Kashmiris, government officials, and business leaders to discuss investment opportunities and economic development in the region.
Addressing the convention, PM Rathore said the government had approved the establishment of Real Estate Special Courts, which will resolve property and investment disputes within 90 days, ensuring transparency and swift legal recourse. He said existing laws would be reviewed and, where required, new legislation introduced to remove obstacles to business and industrial growth.
Highlighting the role of overseas Kashmiris as key stakeholders, the prime minister announced the launch of the Overseas Kashmiris Grievances Redressal Portal, developed by the AJK Information Technology Board, to facilitate faster and more transparent complaint handling. He also reiterated the government’s commitment to one-window operations for business registration, licensing, and certification, with further digitization in cooperation with NADRA.
On the technology front, PM Rathore said work had begun on IT parks and that PTCL fibre-optic connectivity would provide high-speed internet access across the region. Special programs will be introduced to train youth in IT, software development, freelancing, e-commerce, and artificial intelligence, aimed at enhancing employment opportunities and boosting IT exports.
The prime minister also highlighted the potential of renewable energy, particularly solar power, and sustainable tourism as priority sectors for development. He announced the establishment of a Centre of Gemstones in Muzaffarabad to modernize the region’s gemstone industry.
He emphasized that these measures are intended to create a stable and predictable investment environment in AJK. “Overseas Kashmiris should bring investment to the state; we will remove all obstacles and ensure their participation is smooth and profitable,” he said.
The convention also featured focused discussions on business opportunities, diaspora engagement, and youth participation, with recommendations directed to the AJK government for policy formulation and implementation.
Samra Zulfiqar, a real estate analyst at Zameen.com, is passionate about finding projects that offer buyers the best returns. Her keen insights spotlight the market’s most promising opportunities.
