ISLAMABAD April 7: Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Northern Areas Makhdoom Syed Faisal Saleh has said Azad Jammu and Kashmir Council would consider setting up of an Investment Board of its own to encourage economic development of the area. Talking to a delegation of Federation of Chamber of Commerce and Industries (FCCI) headed by Chaudhry Muhammad Saeed, FCCI President said lack of adequate infrastructure was the main hindrance in the development of trade and industry in AJK.

The delegation included Chaudhry Khurshid Ahmed, Member of AJK Council and Raja Muhammad Jamil, the president of AJK Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The members of the delegation said they were looking towards promotion of trade and industry in AJK with the collective collaboration of AJK Council.

On a proposal by the members of the delegation, Makhdoom Syed Faisal Saleh Hayat said he would look into what AJK Council could do for construction of 31-km double carriageway road from Dina to Mirpur.

However, the minister said, he would consider the project of road from Muzaffarabad to Mirpur on priority so that a direct link would be established between these two AJK cities.

The minister said AJK Council would consult the federal government for ending double taxation for AJK.

The members of the delegation welcomed the recent administrative changes in income tax department of AJK Council and urged that tax net be expanded.

On a demand to set up an Industrial Development Board, the minister directed that a feasibility report should be submitted to him in this regard.—APP