Kathua, Sep 14: J&K Apni Party president Altaf Bukhari on Sunday inaugurated the Indian Oil petrol pump, Aanam Filling Station, at Hamirpur (Rajbagh) along National Highway-44 in Kathua.
The filling station, owned by local entrepreneur Yasar Ali Chowdhary, is aimed at providing fuel and related services to commuters and residents in the area.
Congratulating Chowdhary and his family, Bukhari said the new venture was a welcome addition to the growing economic and commercial activity along the NH-44 corridor.
He said sustainable economic development cannot depend solely on government employment and called for greater participation of young entrepreneurs and private investors in creating jobs and strengthening the local economy.
“Every new enterprise has the potential to generate direct and indirect employment and contributes to strengthening the local economy,” Bukhari said.
The Apni Party chief highlighted the potential of sectors including tourism, transport, hospitality, agriculture, food processing, small industries, services and trade, and called for a business environment with fewer administrative hurdles.
He said improved road connectivity, particularly along NH-44, should translate into greater economic opportunities for communities located along the highway by facilitating the movement of goods, services, tourists and investment.
Bukhari also stressed the need to address unemployment among youth through a broader strategy involving the government, private sector and financial institutions. He called for simpler procedures, timely approvals, improved infrastructure and better coordination among departments dealing with commerce and other essential services.
He urged entrepreneurs to explore emerging opportunities and said local investment should be encouraged so that capital generated within J&K contributes to the regional economy.
The inauguration was attended by Apni Party provincial president Jammu S. Manjit Singh, Samba district president Raman Thappa, party spokesperson Sahil Bharti and Onkar Singh, among others.
