Afaq Qadiri re-elected as President of AITHP for 3rd consecutive term

Srinagar, Sep 3: Syed Afaq Qadiri has been re-elected unopposed as President of the Association of Integrated Textile & Handicrafts Park (AITHP), Zakura, securing his third consecutive term. The elections were held in line with resolutions passed at the Association’s Annual General Body Meeting on August 16, 2025, and results were declared on September 3.

The electoral process was overseen by a three-member commission comprising Sheikh Shehzad Ahmad, Peer Mohammad Zaid, and Usman Altaf Baba. Alongside Qadiri, the new Governing Body for the 2025–2027 term includes Tawseef Ahmad Bhat (Vice President), Ashiq Nabi Purra (General Secretary), Umer Altaf Baba (Secretary), Ishtiyaq Ahmad Tenga (Joint Secretary), Ishfaq Ahmad Khan (Publicity Secretary), and Umer Farooq (Finance Secretary).

AITHP, registered under the Registrar of Societies, represents units functioning in the government-established textile and handicrafts park at Zakura and is affiliated with the Federation of Chambers of Industries Kashmir (FCIK).

Under Qadiri’s leadership, the association has played a key role in addressing developmental and operational challenges faced by industrial units. A seasoned industrialist, he has also held pivotal roles in FCIK, including Senior Vice President and Secretary General.

Qadiri’s re-election is viewed as a strong vote of confidence in his leadership, with expectations that he will continue to push for the park’s development and work to resolve the concerns of the industrial fraternity. The park’s units are largely export-oriented, making it a significant contributor to foreign exchange earnings.

The Advisory Committee of FCIK, headed by Shahid Kamili and comprising presidents of various industrial associations across the Valley, congratulated Qadiri and his team. Commending AITHP for conducting timely and transparent elections, the Committee urged other associations to follow similar democratic practices to ensure effective representation.