Manzoor Pakhtoon re-elected as chairman of Houseboat Owners Association

Srinagar, Sep 1: Manzoor Ahmad Pakhtoon has been re-elected as Chairman of the All Kashmir Houseboat Owners Association (AKHBOA) for the 2025–2027 term following elections held on August 30. The association, which has represented houseboat owners since its formation in 1934, announced the results through an official statement.

Alongside Pakhtoon’s re-election, the managing committee for the next two years will include Bashir Ahmad Palla as Vice Chairman, Manzoor Ahmad Kundroo as Secretary General, Mohammad Sadiq Pakhtoon as Secretary, Ghulam Nabi Dharma as Joint Secretary, Mohammad Sultan Shagoo as Publicity Secretary, Abdul Majeed Khankashi as Financial Secretary and Javeed Ahmad Gasi as Treasurer.

The newly elected team will take charge of representing houseboat owners’ interests, coordinating with tourism authorities and addressing regulatory and operational challenges facing the sector.

Speaking after the results were declared, Pakhtoon expressed his gratitude to the members for their continued trust and outlined his priorities for the coming term. He said he would focus on strengthening cooperation with tourism bodies to enhance the visitor experience, safeguarding the livelihoods of houseboat owners, and promoting Kashmir’s houseboat heritage on national and international platforms.

He also pledged to work collectively with the committee to address maintenance, regulation and marketing challenges.