WASHINGTON, Feb 3 (APP): Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari was the keynote speaker at the International Luncheon, an important part of the National Prayer Breakfast activities in Washington DC on Thursday.
Earlier during the breakfast, which was attended by more than 1400 guests from the United States and around the World, the Foreign Minister was recognized as a young and dynamic foreign minister by the Foundation organizing the event.
In his remarks, the Foreign Minister emphasized the role of faith and prayer in life, both individually and collectively as a global community. He said, “faith in one Creator that watches over us, guides us and give us strength is the bonding feature of all faiths. This sense of unity enables us to see the humanity in those who are different from us, and to treat them with same kindness and respect that we would want for ourselves.”
The Foreign Minister said, “In Islam the rights of our fellow human beings –Haqooq-ul-Ibad – constitute one of the most important pillars of our faith. By asking its adherents to treat all people with kindness and respect, regardless of their background or belief, Islam seeks to create a society where discord and strife are replaced by unity and harmony.”
The Foreign Minister referred to the many challenges facing the world today and emphasized the need to reaffirm our belief in the importance of compassion and empathy in addressing global issues. “Our fate is tied to the fate of others and we must work together to build a better future for all.”
He emphasized the need to build bridges of understanding, tolerance and compassion in the pursuit of our common desire to have peace and amity.
The Foreign Minister also spoke about the devastating floods in Pakistan and thanked the international community for coming forward and assisting Pakistan in this hour of need.
The National Prayer Breakfast is a high-profile event, held annually since 1953, that gathers US and international leaders for a discourse on contemporary issues with key emphasis on the importance of faith and democracy. This year’s Breakfast was also attended by King of Jordan, His Majesty King Abdullah II. The invitation to the Foreign Minster as a keynote speaker at the International Luncheon is a recognition of Pakistan’s important voice in this discourse.
Bilawal speaks at Prayer Breakfast in Washington, emphasizes importance of faith
RWMC starts Kashmir Solidarity Day cleanliness drive
RAWALPINDI, Feb 03 (APP): The Rawalpindi Waste Management Company (RWMC) has started special cleanliness arrangements in the city areas connected with Kashmir Solidarity Day.
According to RWMC spokesman, Chief Executive Officer RWMC Ahmed Nawaz Gondal had deputed additional sanitary workers to thoroughly clean rallies, processions and public meeting routes.
Under the special cleanliness program, all routes and their vicinity were cleaned, and the waste containers were emptied.
The construction material or debris was also removed from the routes of the processions and its adjacent areas, while the white powder lining was also ensured.
He added that sanitary workers have also been deputed to clear all areas after the culmination of Kashmir solidarity day functions.
He urged the residents to cooperate with the RWMC staff and not throw waste and other materials in drains and the open.
Meanwhile, in his message, CEO RWMC Ahmed Nawaz Gondal said that the people of Pakistan stand with their oppressed Kashmiri brothers and will continue their political, diplomatic and moral support for their right to self-determination.
He urged the international community to play its role in stopping Indian atrocities in Kashmir.
Hina arrives in Sri Lanka on two-day official visit
COLOMBO, Feb 3 (APP): Minister of state for Foreign Affairs, Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar arrived here on Friday on a two days official visit of Sri Lanka.
The Minister of State was received by Sri Lankan State Minister for Tourism, Ms. Diana Gamage, Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Maj. Gen. (R) Umar Farooq Burki and officials of the High Commission.
During the visit, Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar will attend 75th Independence Day of Sri Lanka as a guest of honour.
In addition to attending the Independence Day events, she will also call on the Sri Lankan leadership and hold a meeting with the Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka.
IHC issues notices in Sheikh Rasheed contempt case
ISLAMABAD, Feb 03 (APP): The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Friday served notices to the Attorney General for Pakistan, Advocate General Islamabad and police in a plea filed by Awami Muslim League (AML) head Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed for initiating contempt proceedings over his arrest.
Sheikh Shakir Shafiq, nephew of the AML chief, stated in the petition that despite suspension of the police summon notice by the IHC he was arrested and an first information report (FIR) was also registered him .
At the outset of the hearing, Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri asked which order of the IHC had been violated. The court (on Feb 1) had only suspended the summon notice (of the police) and not stopped the police from registering an FIR.
He asked the petitioner’s lawyer to read out the previous plea and observed that the courts granted bail to an accused in one case and he/she was arrested by the police in another case.
Sheikh Rasheed’s lawyer argued that the police should have not registered the FIR when the high court had suspended the notice. At that time investigation was underway and the FIR was registered on its basis.
Later the court adjourned the case till Monday.
The Aabpara Police (Islamabad) lodged the FIR against the AML chief for levelling allegations against former president Asif Ali Zardari of hatching a conspiracy to murder Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan.
Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety, Faisal Karim Kundi visits the injured people of Peshawer Police Lines suicide attack at Lady Reading Hospital in Peshawar, at least 101 killed, more than 150 others wounded in the terrorist attack in the city of Provincial Capital
