QUETTA, Dec 1: German Ambassador to Pakistan Dr Gunter Mulack has stressed the need for maintaining peace and order for attracting foreign investment in Balochistan. Speaking at a dinner hosted by the Balochistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) in his honour at the Quetta Club, he said foreign investors were reluctant due to disturbances in different areas of the province.

He said all disputes should be resolved through talks as explosions, rocket attacks and use of arms were not the way to solve problems.

“Dialogue is the only way to find out solution of all conflicting issues,” said Dr Gunter Mulack, adding that there were opportunities of foreign investment in coal and marble mining, oil and gas exploration, livestock, agriculture, fisheries, dry fruit and tourism.

The ambassador said Pakistan and Germany were enjoying cordial relations and Pakistan’s role in the fight against international terrorism was not hidden from anyone. He said Pakistan was a reliable friend of Europe and Western countries against terrorism, he added.

“Bomb blasts and attacks by Al Qaeda and Taliban have disturbed the peace of the world,” Dr Gunter Mulack said and added that Pakistan’s role against terrorism was very important and exemplary.

The ambassador informed members of the BCCI that he was trying to gather information about Balochistan and he would discuss with the German authorities possibilities of investment in education, health, mineral and other sectors in the province.

He said his country was already providing help for the earthquake victims of Abad Kashmir and northern parts of Pakistan.

He said he wanted more close ties for the promotion of trade and business between the two countries and he would specially review the possibilities of trade relations with Balochistan.

He said Germany was extending visa facilities to the business people of Balochistan and more visas would be extended to them on the recommendations of the chamber.

“Germany would take steps for improving health, education and communication sector in Balochistan,” Dr Gunter Mulack said and added that his country would extend scholarships to the deserving students of Balochistan for graduation, post-graduation and doctorate.

In reply to a question about a children hospital established with the German financial assistance, he said he would discuss the problems of the hospital with the governor and chief minister.

However, he said the provincial government should fulfil its commitment regarding running the affairs of the hospital.

Earlier, the chairman of the progressive business group and former industry minister Sardar Mohammad Ali Jogezai informed the German envoy about the problems being faced by Balochistan due to a long spell of drought. He suggested that the German government should help the provincial government in constructing delay action dams and take steps to restart technical training centres.

BCCI president Haji Mohammad Sadiq Kakar presented an address of welcome and identified the sectors for German investors.