President Asif Ali Zardari has expressed the resolve to provide all possible support and assistance to facilitate investment in the diverse areas of Azad Kashmir’s economy, especially the tourism sector. He was talking to AJK Prime Minister Anwar-ul-Haq, who called on him in Islamabad today.
The two discussed the overall situation of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, besides talking about issues related to the development of AJK. President Asif Ali Zardari said Azad Kashmir is blessed with immense potential for tourism and a beautiful landscape, which need to be fully developed to attract tourists. He said strengthening AJK’s tourism sector would help in its socio-economic uplift as well as generate economic activities in the area.
The President remarked that the youth of Azad Kashmir needs to be equipped with the latest skills and education to enable them to find gainful employment, besides contributing to AJK’s development. He said Pakistan can assist the government of AJK in benefiting from the carbon credit markets. During the meeting, the President assured his support to the Prime Minister of AJK and his government.
The Prime Minister requested the President to visit AJK and address the AJK Legislative Assembly. The President also expressed grief over the loss of precious human lives during the recent rain-related incidents in different parts of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and hoped that the AJK government would help the affected families.
Asif Ali Zardari also reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to continue to extend its moral, political and diplomatic support to the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir till the attainment of their right to self-determination.
While condemning the human rights violations and the atrocities being committed by the Indian occupation forces in IIOJK, he called upon the international community to put pressure on India to end human rights violations being committed by its security forces and implement the UN Security Council resolutions.—INP
