The FPCCI meeting in Azad Jammu and Kashmir brought industry leaders together with the Prime Minister to discuss tangible steps for promoting business and investment across the region. Atif Ikram Sheikh, President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry, highlighted key challenges faced by the business community and urged coordinated action to remove barriers to growth.
Joining the delegation were Advisor on Industry Fahad Yaqub, FPCCI Vice President Tariq Jadoon and Capital Office Chairman Kareem Aziz Malik, who held detailed talks with Sardar Faisal Rathore, Prime Minister of Azad Kashmir. The discussions focused on resolving double taxation and persistent logistics bottlenecks that hinder trade and investment in the region.
During the meeting the FPCCI made a case for addressing sales tax complications and streamlining dry port procedures to improve supply chains for Kashmiri businesses. The delegation also proposed targeted measures to ease cross-border and internal transport issues, stressing that efficient logistics are essential for industry expansion.
Atif Ikram Sheikh drew attention to the vast tourism potential of Azad Kashmir’s valleys and called for coordinated investment to develop infrastructure while preserving the natural environment. He offered FPCCI support for hydropower projects in the territory as part of a broader plan to boost local industry and create sustainable employment.
Sardar Faisal Rathore welcomed the business community to invest across Azad Kashmir and assured that all available provincial resources would be mobilised. He committed to working with the private sector, saying the government will take sustainable, consultative steps to resolve outstanding issues.
The Prime Minister emphasised the central role of the business community in the national economy and confirmed detailed consultations on sales tax and dry port challenges. Both sides agreed that removing double taxation and improving logistics will be priorities to attract investment and expand trade in Azad Kashmir.
Following the FPCCI meeting, stakeholders signalled readiness to collaborate on tourism promotion and industrial development projects, while the federation reiterated its offer to assist in feasibility and investment planning for hydropower initiatives across the region.
