Peace and development to be new normal in AJK, says Afridi

MUZAFFARABAD: Parliamentary Committee on Kashmir Chairman Shehryar Khan Afridi has said that peace and development are the new normal in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) as Kashmir Premier League (KPL) has opened a new vista of economic growth in the AJK.
Addressing a press conference here at the AJK Prime Minister’s House with AJK Prime Minister Abdul Qayyum Niazi, Afridi said that while Kashmiris are observing Black Day in across the world on India’s Independence Day, the people in across Pakistan stand firm to express solidarity with their Kashmiri brethren in observing Black Day.
He said that while India was systematically killing the Kashmiris in the occupied Kashmir, the Kashmiris in Azad Kashmir were enjoying their rights of freedom and peace, development, progress and prosperity are a part of a new era in AJK.
He also said that Kashmir Premier League should not be seen in isolation as the KPL has opened a new vista of opportunities for the Kashmiri youth. He urged the Kashmiri youth to become a part of development process which has brought a new hope and opportunities for the Kashmiri youth.
Afridi said that KPL had brought along tourism and economic activity in Azad Kashmir and people of AJK have benefitted from direct and indirect involvement with the KPL.
“Today, there is no room available in Muzaffarabad for visitors as tourists and spectators have occupied all hotels and guest houses. Thousands of Kashmiris have also benefitted from the KPL,” he said.
He also said that the KPL is being broadcast in 36 countries across the globe and it has also projected the beauty of Kashmir across the globe.
He added that the private investment into KPL and the business activity generated due to the KPL has brought a new wave of tourists. He said that the broadcast has also projected and promoted the rich Kashmiri culture, heritage and history to the world.
He urged youth to become a part of peace and development and grab the opportunities created due to the new era of development in AJK.
The Kashmir Committee chairman said that the KPL has helped transform Kashmir’s name from a conflict to a thriving and developing region.
“Now it is responsibility of the people Kashmiri and Pakistani diaspora to come and invest in Azad Kashmir and become a part of development process launched by the PTI government,” he added.
He said that the KPL has generated a new hope and changed the perception of Kashmir because perception management is vital in post modern era.
He emphasised that AJK is now open to the word to bring the required momentum and gentle nudge to economy when the world is struggling against covid-19 pandemic.
He urged the media and youth of Kashmir to take ownership of the KPL and support the development process in Azad Kashmir. He said that Prime Minister Imran Khan was clear in his mission to lobby for right to self determination for the people of Kashmir.
He said all political parties stood together in Kashmir Committee on Kashmir cause and this unity was a great source of encouragement for the people of occupied Kashmir.
Responding to a question, he said that Ministry of Foreign Affairs was working to help return of 300 Pakistani women stranded in IOK.