Afghan leader lauds Pakistan’s support

Published February 10, 2002

QUETTA, Feb 9: Governor of Kandahar Gul Agha has lauded Pakistan for hosting over three million Afghan refugees on its soil and helping to destroy terrorist network in Afghanistan.

Addressing a press conference here on Saturday evening, he said “Pakistan is our home”. He termed Musharraf-Karzai meeting very fruitful and said it would bring both the neighbours closer.

He said that on the request of Afghan interim government, Pakistan government had agreed to restore 300 telephone connections provided to Afghanistan and promised to provide another 400 connections.

He said there is no interference in Afghanistan from Pakistan side.

Replying to a question, he said that restoration of law and order and education were two top most priorities before the new Afghan government.

He informed that so far 5,000 children have been enrolled in schools in Kandahar province while over 400 lady teachers have been recruited for these schools.

Replying to another question, he said 50,000 pieces of arms had since been recovered from Kandahar province of which 7,000 were recovered from Spin Buldak alone. The new administration also recovered 250 government vehicles taken away by Taliban activists for personal use.

He informed that US forces were reconstructing Kandahar airport. The airport is presently being used as US base, he added.

Governor Kandahar, who had been staying in Quetta told newsmen that system of governance was being reintroduced in the province with receiving of custom duties and other taxes ensuring a daily income of $0.2 million.—APP