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Muzaffarabad Hosts First-Ever Overseas Kashmiris Convention Amid Praise and Political Criticism
Muzaffarabad: The Government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) on Monday inaugurated the first-ever Overseas Kashmiris Convention in Muzaffarabad, marking what officials described as a historic initiative of its kind in Pakistan-administered Kashmir.
The convention brought together members of the Kashmiri diaspora from across the globe, including professionals who have earned recognition in diverse international fields. The event was attended by Prime Minister Faisal Mumtaz Rathore, senior government ministers, opposition leaders, representatives from Pakistan, and Hurriyat leadership.
Policy Dialogues and Development Focus
A series of panel discussions and policy dialogues were organized as part of the convention, focusing on strengthening engagement with overseas Kashmiris and exploring avenues for economic growth.
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According to officials, special emphasis was placed on promoting investment opportunities in key sectors such as Information Technology (IT), hydropower, tourism, and mineral resources. The government announced that recommendations emerging from these discussions would form the basis of a comprehensive policy framework aimed at facilitating diaspora participation in the region’s development.
Among the proposals discussed was the establishment of a dedicated court to address legal matters concerning overseas Kashmiris. Additionally, the Prime Minister announced the launch of a web portal intended to provide a centralized platform for resolving complaints and administrative issues faced by the diaspora.
To attract foreign investment, the government also proposed a “one-window operation” system designed to streamline procedures for overseas investors.
Cultural programs and art exhibitions showcasing Kashmiri heritage were held alongside policy sessions, highlighting the region’s rich cultural identity.
Administrative Measures and Public Holiday
The AJK government declared February 16 a public holiday in Muzaffarabad to facilitate the smooth conduct of the convention. According to an official notification, all government and semi-government offices, as well as private commercial centers in the capital, remained closed in light of the event and the arrival of international guests.
However, the event witnessed a minor disruption when three members of the Legislative Assembly — including Minister Sardar Yasir Sultan, MLA Abdul Majid Khan, and Asim Sharif Butt — reportedly left the venue after not being allocated seats during the proceedings.
Political Reactions and Social Media Debate
While the government termed the convention a milestone in diaspora engagement, the event has also sparked debate across political circles and social media platforms.
Several political voices questioned the inclusivity of the convention, arguing that if the initiative genuinely aimed to address the fundamental issues of overseas Kashmiris and the broader Kashmiri population, representatives of the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee should have been formally invited to participate in the discussions.
Critics further pointed to the presence of ministers and officials from Pakistan, claiming that the event appeared more symbolic than structural in addressing long-standing grievances. Social media commentary suggested that without tangible progress on core infrastructure demands — such as the establishment of an international airport in the region and the introduction of scheduled banking facilities capable of handling international remittances — policy announcements would remain limited in practical impact.
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Some commentators argued that overseas Kashmiris continue to face logistical barriers, including traveling outside the region to access international flights and relying on external banking systems for remittance transfers. In their view, addressing these foundational issues would constitute a more meaningful step toward economic empowerment.
Others defended the initiative as an important starting point, asserting that diaspora engagement requires gradual institutional reforms and sustained dialogue.
A Test of Implementation
As the first event of its kind in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, the Overseas Kashmiris Convention represents a notable attempt by the AJK government to formalize its engagement with the global Kashmiri community.
Whether the convention translates into concrete policy implementation, institutional reform, and measurable economic impact remains to be seen. For now, the event has opened both a platform for dialogue and a broader conversation about governance priorities, representation, and the future trajectory of development in the region.