Srinagar: Syed Afaq Qadiri has been re-elected unopposed as the President of the Association of Integrated Textile & Handicrafts Park (AITHP), Zakura, marking his third consecutive term in office.
The announcement followed the recently concluded elections held as part of the Association’s resolutions passed at the Annual General Body Meeting on August 16, 2025.
A three-member election commission comprising Sheikh Shehzad Ahmad, Peer Mohammad Zaid, and Usman Altaf Baba oversaw the electoral process. According to the official notification issued by the commission, the results for the new Governing Body were declared on September 3, 2025.
Alongside Syed Afaq Qadiri, the newly elected office bearers for the 2025–2027 term include: Tawseef Ahmad Bhat – Vice President, Ashiq Nabi Purra – General Secretary, Umer Altaf Baba – Secretary, Ishtiyaq Ahmad Tenga – Joint Secretary, Ishfaq Ahmad Khan – Publicity Secretary, Umer Farooq – Finance Secretary.
All members of the new Governing Body have been elected for a two-year term.
The AITHP is a registered body under the Registrar of Societies and serves as a key representative association for units operating in the government-established textile and handicrafts park at Zakura. The Association is also affiliated with the valley’s apex industrial organisation, the Federation of Chambers of Industries Kashmir (FCIK).
Under Qadiri’s previous leadership, AITHP witnessed significant progress in addressing developmental challenges and operational concerns faced by industrial units. A seasoned industrialist, Syed Afaq Qadiri brings extensive experience in industry affairs, having previously held pivotal roles such as Senior Vice President and Secretary General of the FCIK.
His re-election is widely seen as a vote of confidence in his vision and leadership, with expectations that he will further elevate the park’s development trajectory and continue efforts to resolve both individual and collective issues faced by the industrial fraternity.
A large share of the products manufactured and processed in the park is export-oriented, making the estate a significant contributor to foreign exchange earnings for the country.
The Advisory Committee of the Federation of Chambers of Industries Kashmir (FCIK)—comprising Presidents of various estate- and district-based associations from across the Kashmir valley and led by Shahid Kamili—has extended heartfelt congratulations to Syed Afaq Qadiri and the newly elected office bearers of the Association of Integrated Textile & Handicrafts Park (AITHP).
Commending the AITHP for conducting timely elections to secure a fresh and democratic mandate from its members, the Advisory Committee emphasized the importance of such transparent processes. It also urged all other associations representing industrial estates, districts, and sectors to adopt similar democratic practices to ensure genuine representation.
