Our Kashmir-our paradise on earth
By: Tarique Khan Javed
President, Overseas Pakistani Investors Forum.

The small strip which comprise Azad Jummu and Kashmir is the most beautiful and green part of our area.
However hardly any tourist visit it, while Murree and the surrounding mountains are over crowded and no more fun to visit.With the ceasefire now holding time has come to invest in Azad Jummu and Kashmir (AJK). Political settlement of the territory may take many more years, however there is need for creation of jobs in this area urgently. Tourism offers the best chance for creation of jobs on a large scale.

There are many mountains above 6,500 feet high in AJK. In the BAGH area alone there are  four peaks ranging from 8,000 to 12,000. These mountains are completely covered by greenery and offer spectacular views. These mountains and valleys are no way less then what one sees in Switzerland.
Due to military needs roads are available near most peaks and currently only Rest Houses are available. The Rest Houses are most often busy for Official needs and there is no place for private visitors to stay.  
If some businessmen muster some courage and invest in building 2 to 5 star hotels in the area they can make lot of money.
Decent hotels in Murree cost between  Rs 1,000 to 2,500 while PC Burbun cost Rs 7,000 per night. Average hotel in Switzerland cost Rs 9,000 per night.
If decent hotels in AJK  can offer package deal of bed and breakfast plus pick and drop from Islamabad for Rs 2,000 per night they can expect good domestic business.
For international tourist paying USD 50  or Rs 3,000 per night for such a package would be quite acceptable and we should see good booking with the help of International Travel Agents.
After the heroic efforts of All Pakistani and International community in helping people of AJK cope with the Earth quake. Time has come to move on to provide them much needed jobs as a long term continued support by visiting the area as tourist and helping build the infra structure for it.

Lack of job is the main problem of the area. Most families rely on family members working in Karachi or other parts of the world for survival. If jobs can be provided near their homes it will boost the well being of the people in a big way.
People in the area are very well mannered and polite. They are aware of what the world has done and is doing for them. They are very grateful and hospitable people who are open to embrace Pakistanis and foreigners alike having learnt the lesson that one should not hate anyone and love everyone as human being. All Pakistanis should learn from them.