Petition for the Establishment of Mirpur International Airport

To: Prime Minister of (Azad) Government of Jammu Kashmir, Muzaffarabad, Jammu Kashmir

Subject: Demand for the Establishment of Mirpur International Airport

We, the undersigned, Citizens of Jammu Kashmir, residing both in our homeland and across the globe, voice our collective demand for the establishment of an world class international airport in Mirpur.
The region of (Azad) Jammu & Kashmir, particularly Mirpur, has played an integral role in the socio-economic development of our community, whether within the region or in the global diaspora. The absence of an international airport has long been a significant barrier, limiting our region’s connectivity, economic potential, and global engagement.
This petition reflects the collective will of the Citizens of (Azad) Jammu Kashmir, irrespective of their political beliefs or aspirations. We are united in the view that the Citizens of (Azad) Jammu Kashmir are the primary stakeholders in the development of our region, and that the establishment of Mirpur International Airport should serve the interests of all our people and surrounding communities.

The creation of this airport will:

1. Improve Connectivity: It will provide vital links for the people of (Azad) Jammu Kashmir, enabling more efficient travel, fostering closer ties with our diaspora, and supporting family connections across borders.

2. Stimulate Economic Growth: The airport will attract investment, tourism, and trade, benefiting the local and surrounding economy, creating jobs, and supporting the well-being of our communities.

3. Enhance Global Access: It will serve as a crucial gateway for the international communities, allowing for greater cultural exchange and ensuring that our region remains connected to the world.

Additionally, we request that the airports at Rawalakot and Muzaffarabad be opened as international airports. This will further improve connectivity across (Azad) Jammu & Kashmir and provide more gateways for economic development and international access. These airports, alongside Mirpur International Airport, will play a vital role in the region's overall progress.
We believe that the location of this airport should be determined with consideration of the needs and aspirations of all Citizens of (Azad) Jammu Kashmir, and it should be situated in a manner that reflects the historical, cultural, and economic significance of our region. Also, we strongly advocate for the inclusion of the Mirpur International Airport as a key component of the CPEC project, as its integration is vital for the region's development and future prosperity.
In making this demand, we wish to emphasize that this project is vital to the future of (Azad) Jammu Kashmir, and it is essential that it proceeds in a way that respects the diverse views and aspirations of all our Citizens. We trust that the relevant authorities will take our unified concerns into account and act with the urgency and respect that this matter warrants.

We look forward to your prompt and favourable response to this important demand.

Yours sincerely,
Munir Hussain Atif 

Behalf of overseas Kashmiris 
Member of Mirpur International Airport (MIA) Demand Group
3rd September 2024