'IOK's economy has suffered $2b loss since Aug 5'

Briefs participants about the situation in occupied region in London conference

LONDON: Senior Hurriyat leader Altaf Ahmad Bhat said on Thursday that the economy of Indian Occupied Kashmir (IOK) had suffered a loss of around Rs2 billion since August 5 when New Delhi revoked its special status and imposed severe restrictions including curfew and communication blockade.

“Kashmir’s business community is struggling," he said while addressing a conference, "Global Opportunities beyond Brexit for Britain and the Commonwealth” at the House of Commons in London.

Bhat briefed participants about the situation in IOK, and urged them to take notice of atrocities being committed by Indian occupation forces.

Briefing about the business opportunities in Islamabad and the rest of Pakistan, Bhat said, "There are huge business opportunities in the tourism sector, educational sector, real-estate sector and infrastructure development especially in Prime Minister Imran Khan's Naya Housing Scheme."

"After Brexit, UK's business community will be welcomed by Pakistani business community and Government of Pakistan,” he added.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Saboor Javed, the host of the conference, said there were enough business opportunities in commonwealth countries especially for Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and others.

He said Brexit was important for the progress and prosperity of Great Britain.

The conference was organised by by Hopeman Consultants UK Ltd and presided over by Lord Duncan McNair.

Experts, business professionals, educationists from all across the world participated in the conference.