US proposal of opening a consulate in Quetta a security risk
By ANIFriday, May 21, 2010
ISLAMABAD - Pakistani law enforcement agencies have termed the US proposal of opening a consulate in Quetta a “security risk”.
In a report presented before the Pakistani Foreign Ministry, the agencies after gathering comprehensive information 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, the Daily Times reports.
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 onitor developments in Iran and keep an eye on the Afghan Taliban and al Qaeda. (ANI)
