MUZAFFARABAD: Higher Education Commission of Pakistan (HEC) Chairman Prof. Dr Mukhtar Ahmed on Thursday underscored the critical importance of collaborative endeavors to unleash the untapped potential of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, steering it towards a trajectory of prosperity and progress.
He was speaking at the inaugural ceremony of a groundbreaking conference on the economy of the state, hosted by the University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (UAJK) in collaboration with the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE).
The two-day conference at the King Abdullah Campus of UAJK aims to chart a course towards sustainable economic growth and social development in the region.
In his address as chief guest, Prof. Dr Mukhtar Ahmed lauded the UAJK and PIDE’s initiative in organising the conference and underscored the pivotal role of education institutions in driving economic progress. He highlighted the region’s abundant natural and human resources, stressing the imperative of harnessing these assets for the benefit of the local populace.
Addressing the gathering of academicians, researchers, scholars, and students, the HEC chairman urged a reflection on historical lessons and emphasised the need for a collective endeavor to steer the region towards a brighter future. Drawing parallels with the economic trajectory of nations like Iran, he underscored the imperative of perseverance and unity in the pursuit of national development.
UAJK Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr Muhammad Kaleem Abbasi echoed Prof. Dr Ahmed’s sentiments, reiterating the university’s commitment to fostering economic development through the empowerment of human capital. He highlighted the region’s unparalleled natural beauty and resources, emphasising the need to harness these blessings for the collective welfare of its inhabitants.
Dr. Nadeem Ul Haque, Vice Chancellor of the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE), highlighted the importance of collaboration between academic institutions and policymakers in driving economic development. He emphasised the need for evidence-based policy-making and underscored PIDE’s commitment to supporting research and initiatives aimed at fostering economic growth and prosperity.
Prof. Dr Zakria Zakir, Vice Chancellor of the University of Poonch Rawalkot, emphasised the importance of empowering women and investing in education and skill development to unlock the region’s full economic potential. He underscored the need for inclusive development policies that prioritise human welfare and promote equitable opportunities for all members of society.
Dean Faculty of Social Sciences Prof. Dr Shujjat Farooq and Director Kashmir Institute of Economics (KIE) Prof. Dr Samina Sabir also addressed the event.
The conference witnessed robust discussions on a wide array of topics including tourism, skill development, industrial policy, and investment promotion. Participants from various sectors, including government officials, industry leaders, and academia exchanged insights and proposed actionable strategies to drive economic growth and address developmental challenges.