Local government system must stay: Holbrooke

[Naveed Yaseen]

US promises help but sees no quick fix for energy crisis

* Pakistan to receive $900m aid after govt provides military aid expense vouchers
* US to start issuing 100 business visas every week from Karachi

Staff Report

KARACHI: The local government system should continue because it is necessary to promote strong, democratic institutions, US special envoy for Afghanistan and Pakistan Richard Holbrooke said on Wednesday, adding that while the US wanted to help resolve the power shortage in Pakistan, there was no “quick fix”.

During a meeting with a Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) delegation at Governor’s House, he said the present local government system should continue because it is necessary for the promotion of democracy. A press release issued by the MQM’s Media Cell stated: “Holbrooke said that Pakistan would continue to enjoy the US’ support in its war against terrorism and extremism, adding this fight needs political and economic reforms.”

Separately, Holbrooke met City Nazim Mustafa Kamal and praised him for the rapid pace of development in Karachi during the past four years. He told media at Governor’s House that these developments could be attributed to the local district government, adding the system should be sustained. He also met members of the business community and assured them the US would work to resolve all their problems, particularly those pertaining to the energy sector.

He told a gathering of federal and provincial ministers, businessmen, industrialists and bankers at Governor’s House that US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton would visit Pakistan within six weeks, adding he would approach Congress for Karachi’s development.

100 visas: Also on Wednesday, addressing a press conference at a local hotel, Holbrooke said the US Consulate in Karachi would start to issue 100 business visas every week from September. “This would be a major step towards business cooperation between Karachi, the rest of the people of Pakistan and the United States,” he said.

Terming the energy crisis the country’s biggest problem, he announced the US would assist Pakistan in overcoming this problem but there was no quick fix. He said the US would also help organise a Pakistan Emergency Task Force to help overcome the energy crisis. He also admitted that unrest in Balochistan concerned the US, as the increased tension could adversely affect Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Aid package: The special envoy also told a private TV channel that an aid package of $400 million would be provided to Pakistan next month, adding another instalment of $500 million would be given to Pakistan under military support fund after the government furnishes the expenditure vouchers of previous US aid.

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp...2009_pg1_1