ISLAMABAD, Wednesday, February 18, 2026 (WNP): The Country Coordinator of Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA), Saliha Tuna, received Chaudhry Javed Iqbal Badhanvi, Minister in the Government of Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK), for discussions on expanding cooperation in vocational training, food security and regional development.

Chaudhry Javed Iqbal Badhanvi, who holds portfolios including Food, AJK Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority (TEVTA), and the Kotli Development Authority, and serves as a Member of the AJK Legislative Assembly, visited the TIKA office to explore avenues for future collaboration.

According to officials, the meeting focused on identifying practical and sustainable initiatives that could strengthen institutional capacity and promote socio-economic development in AJK.

Particular emphasis was placed on enhancing vocational and technical education to equip young people with market-relevant skills, as well as improving food security through modern agricultural support and capacity-building measures.

Both sides discussed the potential for joint projects aimed at empowering local communities, promoting employment opportunities and supporting regional development in underserved areas.

TIKA has been actively engaged in development projects across Pakistan, including education, healthcare, agriculture and vocational training. Officials expressed optimism that closer coordination with the AJK government would translate into concrete initiatives benefiting communities in the region.

The participants reaffirmed their commitment to advancing cooperation through sustainable programs designed to deliver long-term impact and strengthen development partnerships between Türkiye and AJK.