The News reported that Azad Jammu and Kashmir has the potential to meet Pakistan’s power needs through its natural hydropower producing sites for over 17,000 MW besides earning huge foreign exchange by developing its tourist spots.

Mr Atiq Ahmad Khan president Muslim Conference and former PM of AJK Sardar said that during his tenure as AJK PM the experts identified 22 hydro-electric projects and ground-breaking ceremony of 6 was performed. Work on these projects is in progress.

He said that the AJK currently needs only 350 MW of electricity that in mid-term after progress on tourist spots might go up to 500 MW. The balance electricity, could be added to the PEPCO system and might even be exported. AJK has numerous spots which could attract tourists from across the world. Governance in AJK, is better than both India and Pakistan and even today foreigners roam about freely there.

Mr Atiq said that Pir Chenasi, for instance is a beautiful location a few kilometers away from Muzaffarabad. It is at a height of 9,300 meters and could be a hot tourist spot. Pir Chenasi could be connected with Muzaffarabad through cable car or chairlift.

(Sourced from the News)