Islamabad, April 1, 2026: President of the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), Sardar Tahir Mehmood, has called on overseas Pakistanis and the Kashmiri diaspora to invest in Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), highlighting significant opportunities for mutual economic growth.
He made these remarks while addressing a delegation of the Kashmir Journalists Forum, led by its President Sardar Irfan Sadozai, during their visit to ICCI.
Emphasizing the importance of media engagement, Sardar Tahir Mehmood said that stronger collaboration between the business community and journalists is essential to effectively promote trade, investment, and economic activities. He noted that the media plays a vital role in highlighting business opportunities and ensuring timely dissemination of information on investment prospects and policy developments.
Highlighting AJK’s economic potential, he said the region offers vast opportunities in tourism, mines and minerals, and the information technology sector. He added that ICCI is actively working to connect investors from Pakistan and AJK to unlock untapped potential and foster mutually beneficial partnerships.
Referring to evolving regional dynamics, the ICCI President said recent developments in the Middle East have created new avenues for Pakistan and AJK to attract foreign investment, particularly from overseas Pakistanis. He stressed that by ensuring a conducive business environment and effective facilitation, these opportunities can be fully utilized.
He further stated that ICCI, as the premier chamber of the federal capital, remains committed to promoting business activities not only in Islamabad but across the country. He acknowledged the critical contribution of overseas Pakistanis and Kashmiris through remittances and economic engagement.
“The Chamber will continue to serve as a bridge between investors, the Government of Pakistan, and the Government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir to enhance economic cooperation,” he said, adding that ICCI is working on a single-window facilitation mechanism to support overseas investors.
In his welcome address, ICCI Vice President Irfan Chaudhry highlighted the Chamber’s achievements under the current leadership and underscored the importance of constructive dialogue between media and business sectors.
Earlier, Sardar Irfan Sadozai briefed participants on the objectives of the Kashmir Journalists Forum and stressed the need for stronger engagement between journalists and the business community. He also appreciated ICCI’s efforts in promoting investment opportunities in AJK alongside Pakistan.
The event was attended by ICCI Executive Member Shumaila Siddiqui, Senior Member Hazoor-ul-Islam Abbasi, Akhtar Abbasi, and other members of the business and media community.
The visiting delegation included Maqsood Muntazir, Sardar Imran Azam, Iqbal Awan, Khalid Gardezi, Haseeb Shabbir, Qazi Sagheer, Zahoor Alam, Sardar Nadeem, Sardar Nisar Tabbasum, Liaqat Mughal, Talha Sadozai, and Raja Ahsan Hameed. The session was conducted by ICCI Executive Member Zulqurnain Abbasi.
