JEDDAH, 15 August 2003 — The Pakistan Repatriation Council (PRC) organized a function at the Sofitel Hotel to mark the Independence Day of Pakistan. Dr. Abdullah Omar Naseef, former vice president of the Shoura Council, presided at the function.
Naseef, who is a recipient of Hilal-e-Pakistan, said Muslims should acquire a thorough education and prepare themselves to face the challenges posed by Western prejudice after Sept. 11.
Naseef said Rabita Trust set up for the repatriation of stranded Pakistanis should be reactivated so that the repatriation issue could be resolved.
Pakistani Consul Shareq Hassan Khan, who was the guest of honor, at the function called on Pakistanis to donate to the fund instituted by the prime minister for the relief of flood-hit people.
Another speaker, Amir Mohammad Khan, said the sacrifices of the stranded Pakistanis should be recognized and they should be given the rights they deserve. He said it was unfortunate that millions of Afghans, Bangladeshis and others were living in Pakistan illegally while those who gave sacrifices for the country were languishing in camps in a foreign country.
Ehsanul Haque, convener of the PRC, urged Prime Minister Jamali to take over as the Rabita Trust chairmanship so that the repatriation of stranded Pakistanis can begin. He said the thaw in Indo-Pak relations was a good sign, but the key to peace in the region lay in giving the Kashmiris their right to self-determination.
The meeting adopted resolutions calling for the reactivation of the Rabita Trust and the repatriation of stranded Pakistanis.
