By Iqbal Choudhry
ISLAMABAD: Law enforcement agencies have declared the US proposal for opening a consulate in Quetta a “security risk” in a report presented before the Foreign Office, official sources told Daily Times on Thursday.
According to sources, the Foreign Ministry had informed law enforcement agencies’ administrators about Washington’s desire to open a consulate in Quetta. “After gathering comprehensive information, the law enforcement agencies opposed the proposal and declared it a ‘security risk’,” the sources said.
According to experts, Balochistan is rich in natural resources like coal, natural gas, gold, oil, silver, iron and several other minerals. Owing to the Gwadar port, this part of the world has become a gateway for Central Asia and Afghanistan to reach out to the Middle East and Europe. Keeping in view the minerals and its geographical position, the officials said that many world powers, especially the US, were thinking of settling in Balochistan.
Geological experts said that the oil in the region flows from Iran into Iraq, from where it is drilled and supplied to the world. Due to the law and order situation, foreign companies are reluctant to invest in exploration in Balochistan, which is the only reason why law enforcement agencies have opposed the US proposal. Local diplomats said that the US was constructing an air base in Ormara Creek, while another base was being built at Bochik in the Chaghi area, from where the US security experts will be able to monitor developments in Iran and keep an eye on the Afghan Taliban and al Qaeda.
Previous reports: US to open a consulate in Quetta, says Patterson
QUETTA: The US Ambassador to Pakistan, Anne W Patterson, while talking to The Express Tribune on Thursday has said that the US wants to open a “small consulate” in Quetta to supervise development projects in Balochistan.
She was attending a dinner hosted in her honour by Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination, Dr Ruqia Saeed Hashmi. Patterson said that the main objective of her visit was to talk about development projects which were being carried out by the US in Balochistan. “We are thinking how we can increase our presence here,” she said, adding “I have come here to talk with authorities about opening of a small consulate in Quetta to supervise the development activities under USAID.”
She said that the main focus of the US in Balochistan was irrigation, energy and education. Patterson flatly rejected reports of pressure being applied by the US on Pakistan for launching military operations in North Waziristan. “Let me clear up this issue. This was a mistake made by the media. We had talked about the cooperation in investigations regarding Shahzad.” Patterson said the US was the biggest donor to Pakistan adding they expected to disburse around $3.6 billion for Pakistan’s assistance.
“This is a significant assistance,” she said. Patterson stressed the need for financial reforms in Pakistan besides increasing its tax net. During her visit, Patterson met with CM Aslam Raisani, Speaker Balochistan Assembly Muhammad Aslam Bhotani, Corps Commander Southern Command Lt General Javed Zia and IGP Balochistan. Officials said that supplies for Nato troops through Balochistan amongst other matters were discussed in the meetings.
http://tribune.com.pk/story/13154/us-to-open-a-consulate-in-quetta-says-patterson/
UK to soon open consulate in Quetta
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
QUETTA: The Deputy High Commissioner of UK based in Karachi, Robert Gibson, has disclosed that his government was reviewing to open up its consulate in Quetta to “facilitate the people.” He said that implementation of the proposal would be started soon.
The British envoy told this to the Chief Minister Balochistan, Nawab Muhammad Aslam Raisani, whom he called on here on Monday. The proposal about opening of the Consulate of Britain in Quetta came up for threadbare discussion by the visiting British envoy, which was welcomed by the chief minister.
During the meeting, they exchanged matters of mutual interest, particularly with focus on British investment in the province. They discussed various development projects being carried out in the province with the financial assistance of Britain.
The proposal about opening the Consulate in Quetta also came up in the discussion by the British envoy, which was welcomed by the chief minister, official sources said. The chief minister assured all possible cooperation to the British envoy with regard to opening of UK consulate.
http://www.thenews.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=239811
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