In a significant move to bolster international connectivity and cater to the needs of its vast overseas community, Pakistan has officially initiated the development process for a new international airport. The project, centered in the city of Mirpur within Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), marks a pivotal step in transforming regional travel and strengthening socio-economic ties with the global diaspora.
Addressing a Long-Standing Need: The Mirpur Feasibility Study
The Azad Jammu & Kashmir government is spearheading a comprehensive feasibility study to assess the viability and potential scope of the proposed Mirpur international airport. This crucial first phase will evaluate all technical, financial, and logistical aspects required to bring the project to fruition.
AJK Minister for Physical Planning, Yasir Sultan Chaudhry, has confirmed the initiative, stating that the project is a direct response to a persistent demand from local residents and the international Mirpuri community. The primary goal is to drastically improve access to the region, which currently lacks a direct international air link.
Also Visit: History of Mirpur Azad Kashmir, and why it is called Mini London
Political Will Fuels Project Momentum
The airport project has recently received high-level political endorsement, accelerating its progress. During a recent address to overseas Pakistanis, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif formally announced the government’s commitment to establishing an international airport in Mirpur.
This announcement was preceded by earlier advocacy from AJK’s highest office. In January of this year, AJK President Barrister Sultan Mahmood Chaudhry had already identified the Mirpur airport as one of his administration’s top priority projects, signaling a unified push from both regional and federal governments.
Transatlantic Advocacy: The Crucial Role of the UK Diaspora and Parliament
The drive for the Mirpur airport is uniquely international, with powerful advocacy emanating from the United Kingdom. A cohort of 20 British lawmakers, under the leadership of Labour MP Tahir Ali, recently submitted a joint letter to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, formally urging the Pakistani government to advance the airport’s development.
This political push is rooted in the concerns of their constituents. The letter highlighted the challenges faced by over a million British Kashmiris, many of whom trace their heritage to Mirpur. Currently, travelers must endure a lengthy and cumbersome journey, flying into Islamabad International Airport and then undertaking a road trip of over 120 kilometers to reach Mirpur. The proposed airport would eliminate this multi-leg journey, enabling direct travel.
Expanding Pakistan’s Aviation Infrastructure
The inclusion of an international airport in Mirpur represents a major expansion of Pakistan’s aviation network. The country currently manages 69 airports. This infrastructure includes three primary international hubs in Karachi, Islamabad, and Lahore, supported by six secondary international airports in cities like Peshawar, Multan, and Sialkot.
The Mirpur airport is poised to become the nation’s 70th aviation facility. This ambitious addition is designed not only to serve the immediate region but also to act as a new gateway, bridging distances within Pakistan and forging stronger direct links with key international destinations, particularly in Europe and the Middle East.
Mirpur: The “Little England” of Pakistan
Mirpur, the capital of the Mirpur District, is the second-largest city in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and ranks among Pakistan’s most significant urban centers. The city’s demographic and cultural landscape has been profoundly shaped by migration.
During the construction of the Mangla Dam in the 1950s and 1960s, a substantial number of Mirpur’s residents emigrated, with a vast majority settling in industrial towns across the United Kingdom. Today, large, well-established Mirpuri communities thrive in areas like West Yorkshire, the Midlands (both East and West), Greater Manchester, Birmingham, and several boroughs in London.
This deep-rooted connection has earned Mirpur the affectionate nickname “Little England.” The city’s economy and culture reflect this transcontinental bond, with British products commonly available in shops and the Pound Sterling often accepted alongside the Pakistani Rupee, underscoring the enduring economic and cultural ties that make the case for direct air connectivity so compelling.