US lawmaker highlights urgency for ROZs passage

WASHINGTON: Congressman Chris Van Hollen, chief sponsor of the Reconstruction Opportunity Zones (ROZs) legislation, urged the fast-track approval of the preferential trade programme, saying it would strengthen US national security and help Pakistan and Afghanistan offer economic hope as an antidote to Talibanisation.




The Democratic lawmaker praised Pakistan's anti-Taliban spirit as the "most important development in the region" recently.




However, he reminded all US stakeholders that Islamabad's ability to sustain widespread public support for anti-militancy efforts hinged on it providing employment to the people in conflict areas with initiatives like ROZs.




"So you have seen the military action in the Swat valley, the talk of engagement in South Waziristan - I think these engagements have the support of the Pakistani people. But they will only, I think, continue to have support of the Pakistani people if it is followed by real results on the ground in terms of improved governance and economic opportunity." app