MIRPUR: Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), home to over 5 million people, remains deprived of an international airport, despite over 2.5 million Kashmiris living abroad. Citizens have launched a strong campaign demanding the activation of existing airports in Muzaffarabad and Rawalakot, as well as the establishment of a new international airport to facilitate both local and overseas Kashmiris.
Challenges for Overseas Kashmiris
Kashmiris living abroad, particularly in the United Kingdom, Middle East, and North America, face serious travel difficulties when visiting their homeland. Currently, they must land at Islamabad International Airport, from where traveling to remote areas of AJK can take several hours. The journey also involves security risks, as highlighted by the recent tragic murder of Chaudhry Tasaraf, a British-Kashmiri youth, who was killed by armed robbers while traveling from Islamabad to Dadyal. This incident has intensified demands for a safer and more accessible travel route for Kashmiris.
Unfulfilled Promises and Political Inaction
Before the 2021 general elections, the President of AJK, Barrister Sultan Mehmood Chaudhry, pledged to reactivate Muzaffarabad, Mirpur, and Rawalakot airports and work towards the establishment of a fully operational international airport. However, despite strong public demand, no concrete progress has been made. Citizens now urge both the President and Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwar-ul-Haq to take serious steps and push the Government of Pakistan to fulfill this long-standing demand.
AJK’s Existing Airports: A Neglected Infrastructure
Although Muzaffarabad and Rawalakot have small airstrips, they are currently used only for paragliding and emergency operations. Following the 2005 earthquake, these airports were briefly opened for domestic flights, but they have remained non-operational since 2006. In contrast, Gilgit-Baltistan, another disputed region, already has an international airport. The disparity highlights the need for equal infrastructure development in AJK.
Mirpur: A Strong Case for an International Airport
Mirpur, often referred to as “Mini London”, has a large overseas Kashmiri population in the UK, who frequently travel between the two regions. A dedicated airport would reduce travel time, enhance security, and improve connectivity, benefiting thousands of families. In light of this, overseas Kashmiris, along with local activists, have intensified their efforts to pressure authorities for action. The Jammu and Kashmir Joint Public Action Committee has also included the demand for an international airport in its agenda.
Unique Protests and Public Demonstrations
Kashmiri activists, such as Mahmood Ahmed Musafir from Kotli, have staged creative protests to highlight public hardships. He has walked long distances and used animals for travel to draw attention to the region’s transportation issues. Recently, he led a long march from Bhimber to Muzaffarabad, giving the government a deadline until April 16 to take action.
Economic and Tourism Benefits of an International Airport
The establishment of an international airport in AJK would not only ease travel difficulties but also boost the local economy. It would:
Promote tourism, making AJK a more accessible destination for international visitors.
Create thousands of jobs, particularly in aviation, hospitality, and trade sectors.
Encourage investment, supporting business growth and economic development.
Kashmiri People Demand Immediate Action
The people of Azad Kashmir have made their demand clear: the government must take immediate action to establish an international airport in the region. This is not just about travel convenience—it is about security, economic growth, and equal rights for the people of Kashmir.
