ISLAMABAD, July 3 (APP): U.S. Embassy Acting Deputy Chief of
Mission Jeffrey Sexton paid rich tribute to legendary figure of the
world Muhammad Ali for his commence contribution for maintaining law
and order situation and creating peace in the world.
He was speaking at the condolence reference in the memory of
‘Muhammad Ali a boxing icon of international renown and global
Goodwill Ambassador’ here at Preston University.
Jeffrey Said,” Today we take a moment to pause and remember
someone who was at once a great American, a true citizen of the
world, and a long time friend of Pakistan”.
“The United States mourns the loss of one of its most iconic
athletes; we honor his legend, and pay tribute to “The Champ”. We
are profoundly grateful for the heart felt condolence from friends
around the world” he said.
He quoted President Barack Obama,who said that, “He was
Muhammad Ali, a whole greater than the sum of its parts. He was
bigger, brighter, more original and influential than just about
anyone of his era. He had fans in every city and village and ghetto
on the planet; he was feted by foreign heads of state; the beatles’
British invasion took a detour to come to him. It seemed sometimes
that the Champ was too big for America”.
Dr Ghazanfar Mehdi, Chairman Archaeological & Historical
Association of Pakistan, said “This is the only condolence Reference
of distinguished personality of the world and Pakistan.All the human
being and particularly Pakistani people love him so much. He said he
was a universal person and a good friend of Pakistan.”
Mehdi said on Muhammad Ali’s death Prime Minister Muhammad
Nawaz Sharif said,”the death of Muhammad Ali is a great loss of
Muslim World”.
He said that he will move a proposal to Prime Minister to
rename sports complex as ‘Muhammad ali Sports Complex’.
Muhammad Ali had traveled twice to Pakistan in the late 1980s,
once as a special guest to the south Asian Games in Islamabad and
again on visit to Data Darbar in Lahore.
Another speaking Dr. Allah Wadhayo Baloch, Registrar Preston
University said,” The memorial of Muhammad Ali should be established
in Pakistan.
He said that International community should patronize
institution of Sufism established by Archaeological & Historical
department.
Zafar Bakhtawari,Chairman of D Watson Group of Pharmacies
said, “He was a great man of 20th century.He rise the voice for the
people who were deprived of human rights.He influenced the whole
world by his dynamic personality.He will be remained in the history of
mankind.He was known for his strong believe.
He told that, Ali believed that Islam is a religion of Peace
not extremism. Muhammad Ali dedicated himself to helping others.
After retiring from boxing in 1981, Ali devoted his life to
religious and charitable work.
Muhammad Ali defeated every top heavyweight in his era, which
has been called the golden age of heavyweight boxing. Ali was named
“Fighter of the Year” by Ring Magazine more times than any other
fighter,he said. Ali showed at an early age that he wasn’t afraid of
any bout inside or outside of the ring.
“Ali was the first fighter to win the world heavyweight
championship on three separate occasions; he successfully defended
this title 19 times. Ali won 10 fights in a row, 8 of them against
world class opponents. He remained in the ring for 21 years, he
added.
Dr Firoza Ahmed, Dean social Sciences, D.G Human Resources and
Head Gender Empowerment Division,said” Muhammad Ali will always be
remembered and repected for his enormous love and care.
“I am deeply grateful to Chancellor Preston University Dr Abdul
Basit for remembering and praising this noble soul.
