Ghazni prepares for 2013 Center for Islamic Culture celebration

GHAZNI, Afghanistan – Several members of the newly elected Ghazni Provincial Council met with government officials, district line directors, elders and the Ghazni Provincial Reconstruction Team for an open meeting in Ghazni City, Feb. 9.

The council called the meeting to focus public attention on the extensive planning and development projects necessary to host the 2013 Center for Islamic Culture in Ghazni City.

Ghazni was selected to serve as the Asian capital of Islamic civilization for the year 2013. The city was chosen by the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization at a conference held in Tripoli, Libya, in 2007. The event is part of an ongoing program to recognize Islamic cultural centers.

The meeting was opened by Chairman Faizullah Paia, who stated that neither Kabul nor the provincial government had done much to plan for the 2013 related development projects.

To start momentum for this project, Paia offered to create a provincial council to take the lead in coordinating between the Ministry of Culture and provincial authorities.

“We have to show the world how great Ghazni is - that its best times were not in the past,” said Ghazni Provincial Deputy Governor Allahyar. “This will be our gift for future generations, to show them how important Ghazni is.”

After speeches were given by government officials, the floor was opened to the public.

Government officials and elders who stood up to speak agreed that coordination and collective effort is the way forward.

The Ghazni PRT commander, U.S. Navy Cmdr. Wilson Marks, also showed support for the event.

“I have learned that Ghazni is very rich in culture,” said Marks. “2013 is an important event to show Ghazni’s culture to the world.  A strong plan is essential in preparing to make such a large event possible. The unity and cooperation between the government and its people will allow that to happen.”

“Although marred by current security issues, Ghazni’s ability to successfully host the 2013 festivities could aid in restoring its reputation as a cultural center and provide much needed economic stimulus to its residents,” said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Kenneth Primus, deputy commander for the Ghazni PRT. “Today’s planning meeting was an essential first step in launching the reconstruction work necessary for a successful event.”