ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir Faisal Mumtaz Rathore has highlighted the immense and untapped tourism potential of Azad Kashmir, inviting the business community to play an active role in developing the sector as a key driver of economic growth, investment, and employment in the region.
He expressed these views while talking to a delegation of the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), led by its President Sardar Tahir Mehmood, which called on him on Saturday to felicitate him on assuming the office of Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The ICCI delegation included Senior Vice President Tahir Ayub, Vice President Irfan Chaudhry, former President Mohammad Ejaz Abbasi, Executive Members Zulqurnain Abbasi, Ishaq Sial, Najeeb Ellahi Malik, former SVP Naveed Malik, and senior members Israr ul Haq, Sardar Amjad and Azher Abbasi.
Welcoming the delegation, the AJK Prime Minister said that Azad Kashmir’s natural beauty, scenic landscapes, and favorable climate position it as one of the most promising tourism destinations in the region. He emphasized that tourism has the potential to stimulate economic activity, support small and medium enterprises, and create large-scale employment opportunities, particularly for the youth. He further highlighted that the AJK government has planned an International Tourism Investment Conference in the month of February 2026. He added that he would visit ICCI at the earliest possible time to engage with Islamabad’s business community and highlight the trade and investment potential of Azad Kashmir, with a special focus on tourism.
Speaking on the occasion, ICCI President Sardar Tahir Mehmood stressed the need for close coordination between the government and the business community to convert Azad Kashmir’s natural advantages into tangible economic outcomes. He noted that the development of tourism infrastructure would not only enhance visitor inflows but also strengthen allied sectors such as hospitality, transport, and services.
The ICCI President reaffirmed the Chamber’s willingness to collaborate with the AJK government on tourism-related projects and other priority areas, and assured ICCI’s support in facilitating linkages between investors and relevant authorities.
Both sides agreed that a strong public-private partnership is essential to unlock Azad Kashmir’s tourism and investment potential and resolved to maintain close coordination to promote sustainable and inclusive economic growth in the region.
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
