“Exciting Things
Are Happening in Balochistan”: Governor
Pakistan Link Report
 |
Governor
Owais Ahmed Ghani addresses the gathering |
Governor
Balochistan with COPAA President Dr. Razaq Chaudhry,
Ex- President Hamid Malik and Consul General Syed
Ibne Abbas |
Link’s
Managing Editor Arif Mansuri presents a copy of the
paper to the Governor |
Buena Park, CA: “Exciting
things are happening in Balochistan” and the province
is poised to serve as “the new economic frontier of
Pakistan.” So observed Mr. Owais Ahmed Ghani, Governor
of Balochistan, at a reception hosted in his honor by the
Council of Pakistan American Affairs (COPAA) at the Knotts
Berry Resort Hotel on Saturday, August 4, 2007.
A picture of grace and poise in a white shalwar and kameez,
the governor brought happy tidings from the rugged and sparsely
populated Balochistan: a wind of change is sweeping the
province, a vibrant and dynamic middle class is becoming
progressively assertive in the affairs of the province,
foreign investment is on the rise, education is gaining
popularity, job opportunities are multiplying, and the infrastructure
for development is being systematically strengthened. The
society is well on its way to change and in the next ten
years the world will witness a wholesome transition from
a tribal society to an enlightened middle class.
In support of his argument, the governor furnished many
convincing statistics. The government has been pumping 213
billion rupees for various developmental projects. Two recent
finds have added to the gas reserves. New land approximating
800,000 acres is being brought under the plough. A higher
efficiency irrigation system is being introduced. The number
of universities has gone up from one to six. “We see
a rising middle class posing a stiff challenge to the tribal
society,” Mr. Ghani remarked, adding, “Today,
Balochistan is the most secured, and politically more stable”
than the other provinces of Pakistan. He mentioned China,
Germany, Chile, Canada among a string of foreign countries
that are keen to invest in various developmental projects
in Balochistan. “The private sector will be the driver
of all activities, the government will only be a facilitator,”
he enunciated the strategy for growth.
Governor
Balochistan with prominent community members at the
COPAA reception. |
The governor also referred
to the colossal loss resulting from recent rains in the
province. In four days of heavy downpour – the heaviest
in the last 200 years – the damage and devastation
was appreciable and widespread About 150,000 houses were
washed away, the casualties aggregated 170, and the irrigation
system was badly damaged. Those who lost houses struggle
to survive under the sun. The province is in urgent need
of assistance.
Nikhat
Khan, Link's LA Representative, with the gentleman
who recited a soorah from the Holy Qur'an |
Qari
Sahib
|
Mr. Ghani also informed
the gathering of Pakistan’s “effective and robust
system” which is in place to combat terrorism with
80,000 Pakistani troops deployed on the Pak-Afghan border
to strike at the militants. He added that extremism, a leftover
of the Afghan Jihad, emanates from Afghanistan. Its root
cause needs to be addressed – politically –
for a much needed change. The governor went on to explain
that every country has its own set of references and allies
“must understand each others’ frame of references”
rather than making unwarranted charges and accusations.
Earlier, Dr. Razaq Chaudhry, President of COPAA, welcomed
the governor and recounted the Council’s important
role in the passage of the Brown Amendment in the 1990s
which played a catalytic role in reviving Pakistan-US relations.
COPAA’s strivings and initiatives had a “dramatic
effect” in reinvigorating ties between the two countries.
With each passing year, the Council’s activities gain
momentum.
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