Bureau Report
Muzaffarabad : The Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry Azad Jammu and Kashmir (WCCI-AJK) has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting women’s entrepreneurship, expanding business opportunities and strengthening women-led enterprises across the region.
At a meeting of its Board of Governors, chaired by President Sidra Azad, the Chamber welcomed prominent businesswoman and a strong voice for AJK, Nusrat Durrani, to its Governing Body. The meeting also reviewed institutional priorities, government engagement and initiatives to improve business training and access to finance for women entrepreneurs.
The Board commended the support of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA), particularly its CEO Nadia Jehangir Seth. Two training programmes in collaboration with SMEDA and the State Bank of Pakistan were finalised, with plans to extend these initiatives to all divisions of Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
Recognising access to finance as a major challenge for women-led businesses, the Chamber resolved to engage with the State Bank of Pakistan to explore practical measures for improving financial inclusion.
The Board also agreed to pursue engagement with the Prime Minister of AJK, relevant ministers and the Chief Secretary to seek government support and dedicated office premises for the Chamber. Strengthening institutional capacity, completing the official website, updating administrative and financial records, and advancing engagement with the Industries and Social Welfare departments were identified as key priorities. The proposed memorandum of understanding with Muslim Hands was also discussed.
To broaden the Chamber’s reach, each Board member will work towards enrolling ten new members, strengthening representation of women entrepreneurs across AJK’s ten districts.
President Sidra Azad emphasised collective leadership, effective institutional development and practical initiatives to ensure that women entrepreneurs have greater access to skills, finance, markets and economic opportunities.
