ISLAMABAD: The government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) has decided to establish industrial zones with the offering of incentives to investors and create a business-friendly environment to tackle the growing unemployment situation in the state.
This was stated by AJK Prime Minister Faisal Mumtaz Rathore, here on Wednesday while briefing a group of media persons. He said that overseas Kashmiris’ investment was key to achieving sustainable development, prosperity and strengthening the private sector.
He said that overseas convention aimed at directly involving overseas Kashmiris in the process of economic development and to building investors’ confidence.
Terming unemployment as the biggest challenge, he said the public sector no longer has the capacity to meet the growing demand for jobs.
The PM said that with a growing population, the demand for jobs in the region is also increasing, and the public sector alone can’t resolve the issues; however, the government can facilitate the investors by creating industrial zones.
He further said the tourism sector in Kashmir also offers huge investment opportunities. Over the past few years have been investments in the tourism sector; however, more should be done as the development of the tourism industry can create thousands of jobs locally.
“The aim is to generate ample employment opportunities for young people at the local level and prevent skilled labour from being forced to seek opportunities abroad,” the PM said. The PM said that within its first 100 days, the government has been able to break political stagnation and restore people’s confidence.
The PM said the government is fully aware of the issues faced by the journalist community and is taking priority measures to address them.
Describing journalism as the fourth pillar of the state, he said that responsible journalism was a key to promoting healthy public discourse, strengthening democratic values, and fostering a tolerant society. The government, he said, believes in a policy of cooperation with the media and views constructive criticism as a means of reform.
On the occasion, the delegation congratulated the PM on the successful organization of the overseas convention and presented suggestions regarding the issues faced by journalists and the promotion of media.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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