Independent Report
CHILAS — The Directorate of Information Diamer-Astore Division reported that a vibrant Business Gala and cheque distribution ceremony under the “Start Apna Karobar” initiative was held in Chilas, jointly organised by the AKRSP Diamer Programme Office and Karakoram International University (KIU) Diamer Campus.
The event aimed to equip young people with new business opportunities, enhance their skills, and support practical measures to reduce unemployment in the region. Under the “Start Apna Karobar” programme, 33 young entrepreneurs received financial assistance cheques to launch their business ventures.
During the ceremony, AKRSP Diamer Programme Manager and KIU Vice Chancellor Prof. Attaullah Shah formally signed an MoU to introduce three-month short courses under the ECD programme, a move expected to significantly improve the professional competencies of local youth.
Various stalls were set up by AKRSP and KIU, showcasing modern business trends, skill-development opportunities, and insights into market needs. The stalls attracted strong interest from students, teachers, traders, media representatives, and officials from public and private institutions.
Participants termed the joint initiative a meaningful step toward the economic uplift and welfare of the youth in Diamer. They expressed hope that such activities would continue, helping strengthen the financial and technical capacity of young people and contributing to long-term socioeconomic development in the region.
