Balochistan
is the heart of Pakistan and people of Balochistan are proud Pakistanis. This
was stated by Ms Rahila Hameed Khan Durrani, Speaker Balochistan Assembly at a
dinner reception organized by the Pakistan High Commission London on November
23, 2017. The speaker condemned the anti-Pakistan advertisement campaign
recently run in London and said that people of Balochistan in no way relate
themselves to this malicious campaign, says a press release received from
London here today.
The
speaker, who is leading an 11-member delegation comprising cross party Parliamentarians
of Balochistan Assembly, said that they are visiting the UK on the invitation
of Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA). She said that the visit
provided them with a good opportunity to observe British Parliamentary
practices as well as put across Pakistan’s point of view on national and
international issues. The Speaker said that such Parliamentary exchanges
effectively help to make the world understand Pakistan’s efforts and sacrifices
in eliminating terrorism and extremism.
The
Speaker also appreciated the efforts of the current and previous federal
governments for the uplift of Balochistan. She said, contrary to the common
perception, Balochistan is making all round progress in infrastructure
development and social sector uplift especially education sector which is
specifically focused on girls’ education and women empowerment.
Welcoming
the Parliamentarians, H. E. Syed Ibne Abbas, the High Commissioner said that
rest of the Pakistan has much to learn from Balochistan where smooth and amicable
transition of power from one Chief Minister to the other took place within one
electoral tenure of the provincial government. He said that Balochistan is on
the path of development especially after the initiation of the CPEC projects in
the province. The High Commissioner stated that whole of the Pakistan and
entire region stands to benefit from up-gradation of Gwadar deep sea port. He
added that ten-year development package for Balochistan recently announced by
Prime Minister of Pakistan would help bring socio-economic development in
Pakistan.
The
other members of the delegation included: Dr Abdul Malik MPA; Mrs. Rahat
Jamali, Minister for Labour; Dr. Ruqia Hashmi, MPA; Mir Asim Kurd Gailoo MPA;
Abdul Rahim Ziaratwal, Education Minister; Maulana Abdul Wasay, Opposition
Leader; Mrs Samina Khan MPA; Mrs Shaida Rauf MPA; Dr. Shamsa Ishaq MPA and
Manzoor Khan MPA. Members of Pakistani community and the media were also
present on the occasion and interacted with the Parliamentarians.
***
