"CPEC projects will unleash opportunities for socio-economic development for people of Azad Jammu & Kashmir. Government of AJ&K is making all efforts to ensure that CPEC projects in the region are implemented without any delays," stated Raja Farooq Haider, Prime Minister of Azad Jammu & Kashmir at the report launch event at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI).

China-Pakistan Study Centre (CPSC) at ISSI in collaboration with Center for Peace, Development & Reforms (CPDR) organized Launch of a Report titled "CPEC in Azad Jammu & Kashmir: A Gateway to Regional Connectivity & Beyond" on March 10, 2020. Authored by Sabur Ali Sayyed and published by CPDR, the report provides a comprehensive overview of the CPEC projects in AJ&K, including Karot and Kohala hydropower projects, construction of M4 motorway, and a Special economic Zone at Mirpur.

Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry, Director General ISSI, in his remarks underlined that economic development of AJK region is a priority for Pakistan despite various challenge. Timely completion of CPEC projects will lead to enhanced connectivity and socio-economic development in AJK.

Sabur Ali Sayyid, author of the report highlighted key takeaways from his research. He provided overview of the on-going CPEC projects in the AJK region. He recommended that now focus should be on advocacy of CPEC, non-politicisation, and addressing concerns of local communities related to the projects.

Prime Minister Haider highlighted key socio-development indicators of the AJK region and the work being undertaken by the government to improve education standard and provision of quality health-care in the region. He noted that CPEC will supplement AJK's socio-economic development as tremendous human capital of AJK is its biggest asset.

Zulfiqar Abbasi, President CPDr, Dr. Syed Asif Hussain, Additional Chief Secretary Government of AJ&K, and M Hasan Daud Butt, Chief Executive KP Board of Investment & Trade reviewed the report and shared their thoughts. Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman Board of Governors ISSI, also reiterated importance of CPEC for socio-economic development of AJK and Pakistan while delivering vote of thanks.-PR