On April 15, 2025, Dr. Syed Asif Hussain, former Additional Chief Secretary AJK, gave an inspiring lecture to the participants of 37^th SMC on “Socio-Cultural Diversities within Azad Jammu and Kashmir and their Impact on Public Service Management”. He discussed the nature of diversities within AJK and how they impacted the people of Kashmir.

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

Dr. Syed Asif Hussain shared that the population of AJK had higher literacy & educational standards as compared to rest of Pakistan. He also apprised the participants that there was less crime and a better law and order situation in this region and that AJK was mostly an egalitarian society which led to less disparity among the people of Kashmir.

Dr. Syed Asif Hussain concluded the lecture discussion by expounding that AJK is facing economic, social and environmental challenges and advised that these could be overcome by creating job opportunities for the youth, election of local bodies and by encouraging eco-friendly tourism in the region.