AJK to welcome investment in tourism projects

MUZAFFARABAD: The government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) aims to attract private investment in tourism through public-private partnerships and the development of larger, multifaceted projects, according to Chaudhry Abdul Rehman Arain, the Minister for Tourism, Industries, Trade, Labour and Mineral Resources. In a briefing, Mr. Arain emphasized the government's commitment to creating a favorable environment for investors and promoting investment in the sector.

Ansar Yaqoob, Secretary of Tourism, Sports, Youth and Culture, provided an update on the department's affairs, ongoing initiatives, performance, and future priorities. Director General Tourism, Chaudhry Shaukat Ali, and several officials were also present at the briefing. Mr. Arain expressed his desire for comprehensive and result-oriented measures to transform tourism and turn AJK into an attractive destination.

He advocated for prioritizing practical actions that could produce positive and enduring results instead of focusing on past performance.

To make AJK more appealing to tourists, Mr. Arain suggested establishing quality tourism centers at prominent and lesser-known destinations, replacing small guesthouses with large, integrated projects that offer accommodation, recreation, food, parking, and other necessary facilities in one location. By doing so, these projects would be more enticing to tourists and encourage a larger influx of visitors.

The minister stressed the importance of coordination among relevant institutions to facilitate investors and eliminate obstacles in the investment process.

Major tourism initiatives would be integrated into the government's 100-day plan, and practical work on them would commence soon. Mr. Arain also urged for the timely completion of development projects, warning that prolonged delays would not be accepted. He directed the Tourism Department to draft viable proposals, regularly assess progress on ongoing schemes, and streamline procedures to maximize resource utilization.

The minister outlined a comprehensive strategy to promote AJK's natural beauty, historical and cultural heritage, and lesser-known tourist sites, ensuring basic facilities for tourists both domestically and internationally. The government's commitment to practical work and tangible results was reaffirmed, and he called upon all relevant departments and institutions to coordinate their efforts in developing the tourism sector.