0
He was addressing a reception held to mark the US Independence Day here on Monday night. Balochistan Assembly Speaker Aslam Bhootani was chief guest at the reception that was organised by the US consulate, Karachi.
Mr Martin said the proposed consulate would allow American officials to work closely with the Balochistan government and the NGOs to design and implement aid projects that met people's needs.
He said several projects would be launched in the coming months for the welfare of people of Balochistan.
The US diplomat lauded the sacrifices rendered by Pakistani security personnel to make the country safe and secure.
“We applaud Pakistan's elected representatives, civil servants and community activists who speak out against extremism and work for a better future for all Pakistanis,” he said.
Mr Martin said that power shortage was a concern for Balochistan and the US had initiated a programme with the Quetta Electricity Supply Company to improve the supply of electricity, reduce losses and increase efficiency.
He said the US Geological Survey would provide assistance in identifying natural gas reserves in Balochistan and furthering their development. “We will also provide assistance to help Pakistan improve it regulatory and fiscal regimes in order to attract more investment to develop this critical resource,” he said.
Mr Bhootani said a country's independence day had a particular significance for that nation. In the case of the US, however, the independence day held a much greater significance not just for the American nation but for all nations in the world because the country attached special importance to the values of human dignity, liberty and democracy.
He said that US independence laid the foundation of democratic values and formally documented human rights in the national charter for the first time in modern history.
Mr Bhootani said that brotherly and strategic partnership between the United States and Pakistan stretched over the past six decades.
“Notwithstanding the fact that we like all mature people and entities have had our differences, but in the end it is important that we have stood together,” he said.
He said that Pakistan and US were friends since long time and being the frontline state we first fought against the Soviet Union and at present against extremist forces that threaten both countries.
He said that Pakistan had sacrificed thousands of its brave sons and the United States acknowledged the efforts of Pakistan in fighting against terrorism.
