Rich in resources: ‘Make Hazara a province and watch it prosper’
Senator Talha Mehmood says popular demand cannot be ignored any longer.
HARIPUR:
Chairman of the Senate’s Standing Committee on Interior, Senator Talha Mehmood said the solution to all the socio-economic problems faced by the people of Hazara division lies in respecting the popular demand for the creation of a province.
Speaking to the media on Sunday, he said the importance of resource-rich Hazara could not be ignored; “income from its forests, minerals, water, tourism and industries, makes up a sizable portion of the K-P budget.” The mountains of Hazara hold exportable minerals, which can earn a large profit, said Mehmood. He added if the federal and provincial governments worked sincerely, the country could earn billions from these resources and not be dependent on foreign loans. He claimed that if turned into a province, Hazara would be the richest one thanks to its natural resources. However, Mehmood lamented that the previous and current governments ignored the rights of the people of Hazara and the area remains underdeveloped. The senator added blatant discrimination forced inhabitants to demand a separate province. The creation of new provinces was the need of the hour and it would strengthen the federation, said Mehmood.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 6th, 2014.
Chairman of the Senate’s Standing Committee on Interior, Senator Talha Mehmood said the solution to all the socio-economic problems faced by the people of Hazara division lies in respecting the popular demand for the creation of a province.
Speaking to the media on Sunday, he said the importance of resource-rich Hazara could not be ignored; “income from its forests, minerals, water, tourism and industries, makes up a sizable portion of the K-P budget.” The mountains of Hazara hold exportable minerals, which can earn a large profit, said Mehmood. He added if the federal and provincial governments worked sincerely, the country could earn billions from these resources and not be dependent on foreign loans. He claimed that if turned into a province, Hazara would be the richest one thanks to its natural resources. However, Mehmood lamented that the previous and current governments ignored the rights of the people of Hazara and the area remains underdeveloped. The senator added blatant discrimination forced inhabitants to demand a separate province. The creation of new provinces was the need of the hour and it would strengthen the federation, said Mehmood.
The senator said he feared ignoring the popular cry for a separate province could sow the seeds of alienation and discord, which would harm the country. He asked political forces to avoid point scoring and provide relief to the people of Hazara by accepting their demands. He also urged them to create new provinces on administrative grounds and shun their political differences.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 6th, 2014.