PAHALGAM, JUNE 17: The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) J&K Council, under the leadership of Chairman Dr. M.A. Alim, successfully conducted a Membership Roadshow and Outreach Program on June 15, 2025, in Pahalgam. This initiative marks a significant first for the region, aimed at engaging the local business community, expanding CII’s presence, and fostering meaningful dialogue among industry stakeholders and the apex industry chamber.
Dr. M.A. Alim remarked, “This roadshow is a first-of-its-kind initiative by the CII J&K Council to enhance industry engagement at the grassroots level, especially in tourism-centric areas like Pahalgam. Through such platforms, we seek to understand local challenges, amplify grassroots voices, and promote stronger public-private partnerships for the development of J&K.”
He also expressed gratitude to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, recognizing the administration’s efforts to unlock the tourism potential of Jammu & Kashmir. “We sincerely thank LG Manoj Sinha for prioritizing the revival of tourism in the region, which reflects a strong commitment to sustainable economic development,” he added.
A notable highlight of the event was the announcement of a planned resolution to establish the ‘Sunjay Kapoor Memorial Chair’ in honor of the late visionary and former CII leader.
The outreach program offered potential members insights into CII’s extensive services, policy advocacy initiatives, and capacity-building programs, while facilitating industry-led growth. Attendees engaged in open discussions about concerns related to infrastructure, regulatory processes, and seasonal employment challenges. Dr. Alim assured the CII J&K Council’s commitment to elevate these issues to both the UT Administration and the Central Government, reinforcing CII’s role as a crucial link between business and governance.
The event saw enthusiastic participation from over 20 members representing various trade and tourism associations, including the Pahalgam Hoteliers Association, Taxi Drivers Association, and the Ponywala Association. Key contributions were made by Jawaid Burza, President of the Hoteliers Association of Pahalgam; Asif Burza, Distinguished Past Chairman of CII J&K; and Anwar Bakshi, Senior Industry Representative. Other notable attendees included Ghulam Nabi Sheikh, President of the Taxi Drivers Association; Nazir Ahmad Sheikh, Civil Society Member; Abdul Wahid Wani, President of the Ponywala Association; and former MC Pahalgam members Owais Nazir, Gulzar Ahmad and Dildar Ahmad and Waseem Burza, along with Sardar Nasir Khan as special attendees. Several CII J&K Members, including Ufair Ajaz, Hussain Khan, Bilal Khan, Dawar Mir, Saqib Laharwal, Adnan Shah, Waseem Mahajan, Sajad Hussain, Muyeed Baba, and Faisal Shahdad, also actively participated in the discussions.