K-P left an impression on outgoing US consul general

CB Toney sheds light on his favourite places, food in the province

PESHAWAR:

People are the ‘greatest asset in this vibrant part of the world’ who have a thirst for education and knowledge.

This was stated by US Consul General CB Toney, who is set to leave Peshawar having completed his tenure.

Toney said he was impressed when he saw students, particularly women, who walked for hours just to go to schools, especially in the tribal areas.

“While visiting schools – certainly in the erstwhile tribal areas – children walk for two hours [to schools],” he said adding, “‘with dedication like that, the sky is the limit when it comes to learning and education potential and the next generation.” According to Toney, ensuring equal opportunity and inclusion by all members of society will be the key to reaching full potential.

Serving in a city which suffered the toughest times of its history, Toney found a true sense of community and family that ran through the population and has never changed since he first started visiting Pakistan in the middle 1990s.

He added that residents of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) are very welcoming, and the art and fluency of conversation probably struck him the most.

“Always with a kind word and a willingness to listen, there remains a vibrancy and resiliency among a very caring and warm K-P population, even during the most difficult times,” Toney replied to a question, adding that he truly enjoyed his stay in Peshawar as well as time spent in Islamabad.

He added that the cooperation between the K-P government and the US was accelerated during the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic and the embassy, besides the consulate, extended all-out support to swiftly overcome it.

He stated that it was a pleasure working with the K-P government on improving health, education opportunities, infrastructure improvement, tourism, clean water, sanitation, exchange programs, safety, and security adding ‘there is always more work to be done and through the strong partnership with the local government officials, even more, will happen in the future.’

According to Toney, the provincial government should continue with its focus upon protecting ‘Mother Earth’ and developing sustainable energy sources should be a top strategic goal adding Billion Tree Tsunami, BRT, recycling efforts and deployment of solar power were some good ways to protect the planet.

“Furthering development, information technology, education, governance, rule of law, equal rights, and health care industry will help to improve the living standards of K-P residents,” he said adding, “ensuring and encouraging equal opportunity for all members of the society, protecting women, children and other vulnerable populations from harassment will continue being key to K-P government success.”

On the newly appointed consul general, Greg Macris, Toney hoped he will continue the productive engagement with the local leadership to help the partnership grow.

“CG Macris’ guiding vision includes furthering the US and shared regional priorities while also deepening the bilateral relationship, improving residents' prosperity, safety, and security; and strengthening rule of law and democracy across K-P,” he said.

While talking about his stay in the provincial capital, Toney termed Peshawar as one of the richest historical landscapes with some of the best food in the world where Chicken Karahi, Chapli Kebab turned out to be his favourite dishes besides fresh mango and green tea.

Having traversed the length and breadth of the province, one location stood out for Toney, Swat. “The bustling rivers, waterfalls, winding streams, glacial lakes, pine forests, alpine meadows, snowy peaks, fruit-filled orchards, lush green fields, and flower-filled mountain slopes, and especially the friendly Swati people, all would make my choice the Swat Valley,” he said, adding that he also shared Swiss Ambassador Bénédict de Cerjat’s recent maiden visit to the valley.