Commander Southern Commad Lieutenant General Alam Khattak presenting shield to Governor Balochistan Nawab Zulfiqar Ali Magsi during concluding ceremony of Mela organized in connection with Pakistan Day by Pakistan Army at Askari Park.                    — ONLINE PHOTO by Ahmad Kakar

QUETTA: Balochistan is and will remain an integral part of the country.

This was stated by Balochistan Governor Nawab Zulfiqar Ali Magsi in his address at the concluding ceremony on Sunday of a three-day festival organised by the Pakistan Army and the provincial government as part of the Pakistan Day celebrations.

Commander of Southern Command Lt-Gen Alam Khan Khattak, Balochistan Assembly Speaker Muhammad Aslam Bhootani, son of Khan of Kalat Prince Mohammad Ahmedzai, provincial ministers and senior military and civil officers attended the ceremony.

Governor Magsi said Balochistan would always remain part of Pakistan.

“No-one will be able to separate Balochistan from Pakistan,” he declared. He said the people of Balochistan were patriots and no-one should have any doubt about it.

Thousands of people, including women and children, visited festival in the Askari Park over the past three days. Cultural shows representing all provinces were organised.

A large number of stalls were set up in the park. An army band presented a musical programme. A karate show was also organised.

The governor announced a grant of Rs500,000 for welfare of special children.

Awards were given to owners of winning stalls.