Balochistan, Sistan declared twin provinces

[Sher-e-Punjab]

Balochistan, Sistan declared twin provinces

Ghani says agreement to boost Pak-Iran relations;

Amini says Tehran to consider bus service between two provinces

By our correspondent

http://jang.com.pk/thenews/nov2004-dail ... nal/n2.htm

QUETTA: Balochistan Governor Owais Ahmed Ghani and Governor General of Iranian province of Sistan-Balochistan Hussain Amini signed an agreement here on Monday, declaring both the provinces as twins, owing to similarities in their geography, culture and ecology.

The signing ceremony took place at the Governor House. Federal Minister Zobaida Jalal, provincial ministers, MNAs Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri, Maulvi Noor Muhammad, Senators, MPAs and people belonging to different walks of life witnessed the signing ceremony.

Speaking on the occasion, Balochistan Governor Owais Ahmed Ghani said the signing of this historic agreement would not only go a long way in further cementing the already existing bonds of friendship, Islamic brotherhood and strong religious, social, cultural and economic relations between the two countries, but also facilitate the growth of business, trade and cooperation in multifarious fields, especially between these twin provinces.

He extended felicitations to Hussain Amini and the people of his province on the memorable occasion. He added it is a matter of great pleasure that the Iranian authorities had already agreed to participate in the historic Sibi festival next year.

Referring to his meeting with the Iranian delegation, Owais said he held fruitful meeting with governor general Hussain Amini and his delegation wherein they reviewed in detail the prospects of cooperation in the fields of business, trade and other sectors like agriculture, livestock, minerals, handicraft, small industries and tourism.

He observed there never was a greater need for unity, understanding and brotherhood as it is now between the Muslim nations of the world for all of us are well aware of the crises and challenges confronting the Muslim Ummah. If even now the Muslim nations do not rise above their petty differences, mutual suspicions and squabbles and learn to come together and cooperate then they will, one after another, succumb to the onslaught of these crises, he remarked.

He said President Pervez Musharraf had repeatedly stressed the criticality of the situation and called for infusing new life and spirit in the OIC, which is an organization available to the Muslim Ummah wherein they can formulate a unified policy for the benefit of all Muslim countries.

The president has also called for peace and greater cooperation between the neighbouring countries, he added.

Hussain Amini said this is all the more reason that Iran and Pakistan established a model of cooperation and friendship, which serves as an example for the rest of the Muslim nations to follow. He said indeed it is a historic day for the peoples of Iran and Pakistan.

He said the sincere and dedicated efforts on the part of both the brotherly countries would produce fruitful results and our combined efforts would not only help this region to develop and prosper, but also create an atmosphere of greater brotherhood, peace and better understanding. Iran and Pakistan share a common history, he added.

Later, speaking at a joint news conference, Hussain Amini said there would be no space in Balochistan and Seistan-Balochistan for those elements that were involved against the interests of Pakistan and Iran. He added that the border forces of the two countries were already struggling to discourage narcotics smuggling and action is also being taken against the criminals.

He, however, regretted the smuggling of narcotics and observed that the US and European countries were practically doing nothing to curb the smuggling of narcotics. The world community should come forward and save the youth from the menace of drugs, he said.

Replying to a question about the bus service between the two provinces, Hussain Amini said if any company offered to operate the bus service provinces they would consider it.

Both the governors said the border forces of the two countries were making all possible efforts to discourage illegal immigration on the Pak-Iran border.

APP adds: A delegation of members of the Provincial Assembly led by Acting Speaker of the Assembly Muhammad Aslam Bhotani called on governor general of Iranian province of Sistan-Balochistan and his delegation here on Monday.

The delegation informed the Iranian Governor about the characteristics of Pakistani parliamentary system and Rules of Business of the Balochistan Assembly.

The Iranian delegation in return informed the MPAs about their parliament and system of government. Both sides underlined the need of exchanging parliamentary delegations between the two countries to promote bilateral ties.

Meanwhile, a delegation of Quetta Chamber of Commerce and Industry led by its President Sardar Muhammad Ali Jogezai also called on the Iranian delegation and informed it about their problems regarding border trade.

Governor General Hussain Amini assured the delegation of taking steps to promote trade links between the two provinces and said that an agreement earlier signed between the two sides would be fully implemented.

[Sher-e-Punjab]

Twin provinces to set up joint markets in Balochistan

By our correspondent

http://jang.com.pk/thenews/nov2004-dail ... nal/n5.htm

QUETTA: Stressing the need for boosting trade links between Balochistan and Iranian province of Seistan-Balochistan, the two provincial governments on Tuesday agreed to promote border trade and set up joint markets in Mand, Panjgur and Pishin areas of Balochistan, deciding to introduce agricultural commodities and products of each other.

The agreement was reached in a meeting between Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Muhammad Yousuf and Iranian Governor General Engineer Hussain Amini. Both sides agreed in principle to undertake developmental activities in either province, catering to the needs of the masses, especially in the border areas.

The meeting underlined the need to facilitate the masses of Balochistan and Seistan-Balochistan in terms of immigration, customs, etc.

Both sides also showed their willingness to mutually cooperate in industries, trade, agriculture, education and communication sectors and to adopt all necessary measures to promote inter-provincial ties along with the growth of bilateral relationship between Pakistan and Iran.

Speaking on the occasion, Jam observed it is the need of the hour to strengthen relationship between the two neighbouring countries and informed the Governor General of Seistan-Balochistan of the investment prospects in different sectors in Balochistan.

He said in the past a contract for survey had been signed between the two countries for the exploration of oil and gas in Balochistan and hoped this visit of the Iranian delegation would pave the way towards the implementation of the retrospective agreements, including the oil and gas one.

Jam said there are already trade relationships through road and rail links between Iran and Pakistan via Balochistan. He hoped there would be further boost to trade activities after the completion of the Gwadar deep seaport, which would promote regional and international trade between the two countries. This would also generate job opportunities for the peoples of these countries, he added.

The chief minister said the two countries are already cooperating in many areas and the supply of power is also an essential factor, while appreciating the fact that in many border areas of Balochistan Iran is supplying electricity. He said declaring the two provinces as twins would help a lot to develop the two provinces. This would also strengthen the already existing friendly relations between Iran and Pakistan, he observed.

Amini said the relationship between the two countries is several decades-old and with the passage of time it would further strengthen. The current visit of the Iranian delegation was a success, which would yield fruitful results in the days to come, he remarked. He assured that the agreements made during his Balochistan visit would be implemented in letter and spirit.

APP adds: Talking to newsmen later, Amini said both Iran and Pakistan would not allow anyone to use their respective territory against the interest of each other. He said his province was ready to share its experience with Balochistan in irrigation systems to ensure optimum utilisation of scarcely available water.

He said Iran has agreed to augment electricity supply to border areas of Pakistan from 30 MW to 50 MW. The additional quantum would be supplied to Gwadar, he said.

In response to a question, Jam said both Pakistan and Iran have agreed to develop the common border areas in their respective territories. Referring to his meeting with President Pervez Musharraf recently, he said Pakistan would launch various development projects in the area bordering with Iran. The president has said around 11,000 work force would be utilised in these development projects.