Investment Opportunities Available in Six Industrial Zones for Investors, AJK Prime Minister’s Adviser
on Commerce.
Karachi: Adviser to the Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) on Commerce, Industry and
Labour, Sardar Fahad Yaqoob Khan, has said that the establishment of industrial units in Azad Kashmir
will facilitate access to markets as far as Central Asian countries and significantly enhance bilateral and
regional trade. He stated that Azad Kashmir offers vast potential in industry and commerce, and the
government is fully committed to providing all possible facilities to investors coming from within the
country and abroad.
He expressed these views while addressing industrialists at a ceremony held at the Korangi Association
of Trade and Industry (KATI). The event was attended by KATI President Muhammad Ikram Rajput,
Senior Vice President Zahid Hameed, Vice President Muhammad Talha Ali, former chairman and
president Gulzar Firoz, Junaid Naqi, Adviser’s Coordinator Sardar Babar Abbasi, Sardar Maqbool Zaman,
spokesperson Hashim Abdali, along with a large number of KATI members.
Sardar Fahad Yaqoob Khan said that industrialists and traders play a pivotal role in strengthening the
economy, adding that investment is being actively encouraged in Azad Kashmir’s industrial zones,
energy, tourism, and hydropower sectors. He noted that the AJK government is promoting business
activities through investor-friendly policies to create a conducive environment for sustainable economic
growth.
He further informed participants that Azad Kashmir has six designated industrial zones, including those
in Mirpur and Muzaffarabad, and enjoys an excellent law and order situation. Highlighting fiscal
incentives, he said that the property tax rate in Azad Kashmir is only 8 percent, which is significantly
lower than other parts of the country, making it highly attractive for investors. The combination of low
taxation, abundant natural resources, and a peaceful environment, he added, has the potential to turn
Azad Kashmir into a competitive business and investment hub.
The adviser said the government is working on new industrial and trade policies aimed at generating
employment opportunities and strengthening the regional economy. Inviting KATI members to invest in
Azad Kashmir, he assured them of full cooperation and facilitation at every level.
Earlier, KATI President Muhammad Ikram Rajput, in his address, said that Sardar Fahad Yaqoob Khan has
been entrusted with crucial portfolios such as commerce, industry, labour and manpower, which are
central to Azad Kashmir’s economic development, job creation and industrial stability. He termed it
encouraging that the AJK leadership is promoting individuals who possess a clear vision for economic
growth, industrial development and the welfare of the labour force.
Ikram Rajput announced that a KATI trade delegation would soon visit Azad Kashmir to assess existing
business and investment opportunities. He said that following the visit, concrete proposals and practical
plans would be formulated to strengthen trade and industrial linkages between Karachi and Azad
Kashmir. In this regard, he emphasized that facilitation, incentives and policy support from the AJK
government would be of critical importance.
KATI Senior Vice President Zahid Hameed also addressed the gathering, thanked Sardar Fahad Yaqoob
Khan for his visit, and expressed optimism that cooperation between the industrial communities of Azad
Kashmir and Karachi would further expand in the coming period.
Photo Caption: KATI President Muhammad Ikram Rajput presents a shield to Adviser to the Prime
Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir on Commerce, Industry and Labour, Sardar Fahad Yaqoob Khan,
Zahid Hameed, Muhammad Talha Ali, Gulzar Firoz, Junaid Naqi, Aamir Yousuf, Farooq Afzal, Sardar
Maqbool Zaman and Sardar Babar Abbasi are also present.
