Cooperation of Japan in uplifting social sector of Pakistan laudable: Barjees Tahir
ISLAMABAD: Governor Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) and Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and GB, Ch Muhammad Barjees Tahir has said that government and people of Pakistan highly value bilateral relations and Japanese cooperation in uplifting the social sectors of Pakistan.
He expressed these views while talking to the Japanese Ambassador to Pakistan, H.E Hiroshi Inomata, who called on the Federal Minister here on Tuesday.
Barjees Tahir said that both countries enjoy good friendly relations which are gaining strength with the passage of time. He said that Pakistan offers great potential in different fields where the mutual cooperation between the two countries can be beneficial for both countries.
He said that security situation in Pakistan has improved considerably over last two years with efforts of the government. He added that it holds equally true for the GB region where security situation has become satisfactory, as a result nearly six hundred thousand domestic tourists visited the area this year.
The Federal Minister urged the Japanese Ambassador to encourage the tourists from his country to visit exotic natural beauty of GB and Kashmir. He added that government arranges many cultural festivals like Silk Route Festival; polo matches etc every year, which are a source of great attraction for the national as well international tourists. In addition, the region also offers, paragliding, skiing and great hiking expeditions to a few of the highest peaks of the world.
He said the incumbent PML-N government of Muhammad Nawaz Sharif is paying special attention to the infrastructural development of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and GB where Japanese technical assistance can be extremely useful. He said that the development of China- Pakistan Economic corridor would bring an economic and social revolution in the area and Japanese investors can benefit by investing in GB.
Hiroshi Inomata appreciated the efforts of the government in establishing durable peace in the region and said that keeping in view the improving security situation; the Japanese government has reviewed its travel advisory with respect to Pakistan.
The Ambassador said that his government will continue to work closely with Pakistan especially in the fields of health, education and agriculture. He said that Hasegawa Memorial Public School in Hunza is doing great service to the people of GB by spreading education among children of GB, He said that his government is also planning a cultural event in GB shortly in order to boost the social and cultural ties between the two countries.
