| R.I.P. |
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In their meeting with High Commissioner Wajid Shamsul Hasan here yesterday, the BPCA representatives and British Sikh Council (BSC) expressed their condolences and concerns over the assassination of Shahbaz Bhatti.
Led by the Chief Executive of the BPCA Wilson Chowdhry the 20- member delegation laid wreaths for the assassinated Minister for Minorities and recorded their messages in the condolence book at the High Commission. They also prayed for peace and prosperity of Pakistan and promotion of tolerance and patience in the society.
Sharing the grief and concerns of the delegation the High Commissioner recalled Mr. Bhatti as a fearless champion of human rights whose relentless efforts were devoted for protection of rights of people irrespective of colour , creed and gender as “ he belonged to the class of brave leaders like Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and Mr. Salman Taseer who preferred martyrdom for the sake of cause they lived for”. Mr. Hasan added.
The High Commissioner said that terrorism was among the several problems currently being faced by Pakistan and it calls for a realistic understanding of the complexity of situation by the international community and greater support for strengthening democratic system in Pakistan, in cognizance of the fact that terrorism and extremism made their way into Pakistani society during dictatorial regimes and due to the role Pakistan had to play in Afghan war.
Referring to President of Pakistan’s commitment Mr. Hasan added that fight against terrorism will not be given up.
He further added that respect for rights of human beings was among the foremost requirements to be a good Muslim as per teachings of Islam. Tolerance and co existence of other religions being part of Islamic injunctions the founder of Pakistan Quaid- i- Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah aspired for a country where all the people could practice their religions and co exist in complete harmony as Pakistanis. A prayer vigil and worship service was held before meeting with the High Commissioner outside the Pakistan Embassy.
Worship was led by Hamad and Sally Bailey from Voice for Jesus using a mixture of Urdu and English Worship songs. Hamad Bailey also sang a solo song that he composed as eulogy for Minister Shahbaz Bhatti. Those who attended the meeting included Alex Chowdhry - Chairman of the BPCA Alan Craig, Leader Christian Peoples Alliance, Upkar Rai, British Sikh Council, John Bosco,Christian Social Link, Clara Connolly, Women Against Fundamentalism, Pastor John Figueras, Potters House Christian Fellowship, and Wilson Chowdhry, Vice Chairman BPCA.
Wilson Chowdhry said:
“British humanitarian groups mourn the loss of former Pakistan Federal Minister Shahbaz Bhatti a man who challenged for Peace and equality selflessly. In delivering the memorial wreaths to his Excellency Wajid Shamsul Hasan we wanted to express the support we offer to the Government of Pakistan in their time of need and to express our unity with them. One of Pakistan’s most progressive statesman has been lost and we shall be praying for succour to his family and friends and know that the great work he has started will one day be brought to fruition.”
Speaking about the meeting, Upkar Rai said:
Mr Shamshul Hasan spoke both eloquently and passionately and his caring manner was extremely endearing, all of his team made us all feel so welcome. This encouraged our group and in a post-event discussion a common theme was that participants believed that those in the UK Pakistani Embassy hold a heartfelt commitment for reforms. Men like former Governor Taseer and Minister Bhatti have shown that similar goodwill and an egalitarian spirit pervades throughout the existing Government.”
According to Rai, a touching moment for him was when despite their differences in faith, the High Commissioner and his team, and all the associated groups in the delegation held hands while Pastor John Figueras prayed for sucour for the family of Minister Bhatti and a restoration of peace on Pakistan.