Balochistan is Heart of Pakistan, says Speaker Balochistan Assembly

Parliamentary delegation of Balochistan Assembly hosted at the High Commission

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.

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.