MUZAFFARABAD: Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Prime Minister Raja Faisal Mumtaz Rathore on Wednesday chaired a meeting to review preparations for the proposed Overseas Kashmiris Conference, scheduled to be held in the second week of February in the state capital.

According to an official statement, the meeting discussed the objectives of the conference, organisational strategy and priority areas, with a particular focus on encouraging overseas Kashmiris to contribute to the region’s economic development. Investment opportunities in tourism, information technology, power and hydel sectors also came under discussion.

The prime minister directed the relevant departments to identify priority sectors and potential investment sites across AJK and prepare clear, investment-ready proposals to facilitate informed decision-making by prospective investors. It was decided that investments in tourism, IT, power and hydel sectors would be encouraged to accelerate economic activity in the region.

Terming overseas Kashmiris a vital asset for AJK, Mr Rathore expressed the hope that the proposed conference would prove to be a “game changer” for economic development. He said his government was committed to simplifying procedures, ensuring investor confidence and creating a conducive environment through measures such as special economic zones and a one-window operation.

“We have to assure the investors that their capital is secure and that their investments will be profitable in the long run,” he said, adding that the government aimed to address unemployment by promoting investment-led growth, improving infrastructure and expanding tourism-related businesses across the region.

“We will strengthen the economy by empowering the common man and will no longer allow the youth to be trapped in the cycle of unemployment,” the prime minister said.

The meeting also endorsed the formation of a committee to address issues faced by overseas Kashmiris to ensure the prompt and effective resolution of their concerns. Participants were invited to present their suggestions, following which the prime minister issued directions to formulate a roadmap for future strategy.

The meeting expressed optimism that the proposed conference would contribute to improved economic growth and foster a strong, sustainable and long-term partnership for development and prosperity between the Kashmiris based overseas and the liberated territory.

Earlier, on Monday, Prime Minister Rathore was called upon by Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF) Chairman Syed Qamar Raza at Kashmir.

House in the federal capital, where it was decided that overseas Kashmiris from across the world would be invited to participate in the conference. The two sides had also agreed to form joint committees comprising representatives of the AJK government and the OPF to finalise conference arrangements, agenda and administrative matters. The committees would submit their recommendations to the prime minister.

Wednesday’s meeting was attended by Senior Minister Mian Abdul Waheed, Minister for Forests and Wildlife Sardar Javed Ayoub, Minister for Finance and Inland Revenue Chaudhry Qasim Majeed, Minister for Communications and Works Sardar Ziaul Qamar, Adviser on Trade and Industry Sardar Fahad Yaqoob, Chief Secretary Khushal Khan and other senior officials.

Published in Dawn, January 8th, 2026