On September 15, 2025, Dr. Syed Asif Hussain, former Additional Chief Secretary AJK, gave an inspiring lecture to the participants of 38^th SMC on “Socio-Cultural Diversities within Azad Jammu and Kashmir and their Impact on Public Service Management”. He discussed the nature of diversities with regards to AJK and how they impact the people of the region.

Dr. Syed Asif Hussain explained the repercussions of Kashmir dispute, one of the oldest unresolved international conflicts, for the people of AJK as well as Pakistan. He also discussed constitutional status and administrative setup of AJK under the Chief Secretary.

Dr. Syed Asif Hussain shared that AJK is an egalitarian society, with every Kashmiri family owning some land, which is why there is less disparity among the Kashmiri people. He also disclosed that the people of AJK had higher literacy and educational standards as compared to rest of Pakistan. He discussed some challenges facing Kashmiris such as the high rate of unemployment and the rapid rise in population.

Dr. Syed Asif Hussain concluded the lecture discussion by reinforcing that Kashmir is facing economic, demographic and environmental challenges and advised that these could be overcome by creating job opportunities and by encouraging eco-friendly practices.