Srinagar, Kashmir: In response to longstanding demands from overseas Pakistanis, the federal government has decided to build an international airport in Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK) Pakistan administrated Kashmir. The move comes after pressure from Kashmiri-origin British parliamentarians, who recently wrote to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urging the project’s approval.
Earlier, a letter from UK lawmakers to PM Sharif surfaced, backing the call for improved air connectivity in the region. Following directives from Islamabad, the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has now invited bids from consultancy firms to advance the airport project. Officials state that qualified consultants can participate in the tender process as per standard procedures.
Overseas Kashmiris’ Convention Begins in Islamabad
Meanwhile, the first annual Overseas Kashmiris Convention is set to begin today in Islamabad, aimed at recognizing the diaspora’s contributions to Pakistan’s economy. Attendees have been granted the status of state guests, reflecting the government’s emphasis on engagement with expatriates.
The convention will serve as a platform for dialogue between overseas Pakistanis, government representatives, and national institutions. Help desks from various departments have been set up to provide guidance and services under one roof.
In a video message, Chaudhry Salik Hussain, Minister for Overseas Pakistanis, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing expatriate concerns. “This is the first time such a convention is being held, and we welcome the input of overseas Pakistanis in shaping policies,” he said.
Minister of State Aoun Chaudhry praised the diaspora’s economic role, stating, “Overseas Pakistanis’ hearts beat for Pakistan.”
While the airport project is framed as a development initiative, Kashmiri voices remain skeptical. For decades, infrastructure projects in AJK have been tied to Pakistan’s geopolitical interests rather than local aspirations. The region, claimed by both India and Pakistan, remains entangled in the broader Kashmir conflict, where genuine self-determination remains elusive.
If constructed, the airport could boost travel and trade, but critics argue it may also deepen Pakistan’s administrative grip on the territory. For Kashmiris advocating independence, true progress lies not in symbolic projects but in addressing the unresolved political status of the entire Kashmir region—a demand often sidelined in Islamabad’s policies.
As overseas Kashmiri community celebrate their influence, Kashmiris continue to question whether such initiatives serve their right to autonomy or merely reinforce the status quo.
