Atif Ikram Sheikh, President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry, met with Sardar Faisal Rathore, Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, to discuss measures to promote industry and commerce in Azad Kashmir. The delegation included Advisor on Industry Fahd Yaqoob, FPCCI Vice President Tariq Jadoon and Capital Office Chairman Kareem Aziz Malik.
The meeting focused on removing barriers that hinder economic activity, with particular attention to double taxation and logistics constraints that affect trade flows. Azad Kashmir business leaders urged coordinated solutions to simplify cross-border and internal commerce and to improve supply chain efficiency.
FPCCI emphasized that resolving double taxation and logistics bottlenecks is essential to attract investment and enable local enterprises to scale. Practical steps including streamlined procedures at dry ports and clearer sales tax arrangements were discussed to reduce costs for traders and manufacturers operating in the region.
Prime Minister Sardar Faisal Rathore welcomed the business community to invest across Azad Kashmir and pledged government support. He said the administration will work with the private sector on sustainable measures and consult business representatives to implement targeted reforms that help Azad Kashmir business grow.
President Atif Ikram Sheikh highlighted the tourism potential of Azad Kashmir’s valleys and called for coordinated promotion to convert natural advantages into economic opportunities. He also offered collaboration on hydel power projects as a way to boost local industry and generate jobs.
Participants agreed that a partnership between government and the national business community can unlock the region’s potential. FPCCI proposed follow-up consultations on sales tax, dry port operations, logistics improvements and hydel investments to create a more business-friendly environment across Azad Kashmir.
