Curtain draws on Sibi Festival

Mamnoon urges youth to excel in vocations to benefit from CPEC-induced opportunities

QUETTA: President Mamnoon Hussain has urged the youth of Balochistan to achieve excellence in modern sciences in order to fully exploit the imminent progression opportunities under the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Addressing the concluding ceremony of the Sibi Festival on Sunday, the president advised the provincial government to formulate a comprehensive policy for training youngsters in fields of sailing, its allied professions, modern banking, business techniques as well as the hospitality of foreign tourists.

The ceremony was attended by Governor Balochistan Muhammad Khan Achakzai, Provincial Minister for Livestock Agha Syed Muhammad Raza, local government minister Ghulam Dastgir Badini, alongside several industrialists and businessmen.

Sibi Festival is a centuries-old event held for welcoming the spring season. The event features folk cultural performances, display of handicrafts, and cattle shows.

Addressing the ceremony, President Mamnoon said that the event had become popular across the country as it brought joys and smiles to the people. He said Pakistan, particularly Balochistan, has faced many years of ordeal due to poor law and order situation but the nation remained steadfast and optimistic.

“Sacrifices of the Baloch have come to fruition as peace has been restored and the forces of peace are getting stronger”, said the president while addressing the large crowd. He also urged unity for the peace and development of the province so that they could leave behind a safe and prosperous Pakistan for the generations to come.

Likewise, President Mamnoon further said that the dream of converting CPEC into a reality demanded national unity by putting aside all petty differences. He also ruled out rumours of any changes in the economic corridor’s route and assured that the project was being executed as per the original plans.

Talking about Pak-China ties, the president said that besides bringing the countries closer to each other, CPEC would also help uplift the backward areas of both Pakistan and China.

President Mamnoon said the people of Balochistan would get major benefit from the CPEC. He said it was undeniable fact that people of Balochistan had the foremost right on Balochistan that would be protected.

“Federal projects of energy can be completed in a few months which will help overcome the energy shortages and end load-shedding in the province”, said the president while stating that the federal government is taking all necessary measures to bring Balochistan on a par with the other provinces in development.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, March 5^th, 2018.