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UN chief praises outgoing Pakistani Ambassador Masood khan as a “bridge builder”
APP
NEW YORK – United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Tuesday paid high tributes to the outgoing Pakistan Ambassador Masood Khan, as a "bridge builder" at the UN, and hoped he would continue to work to promote peace, tolerance and harmony.
“You have been a driving force on issues ranging from climate change to sustainable development to peacekeeping,” the UN chief said that looking towards Ambassador Masood Khan, who hosted a largely-attended farewell reception at the Pakistan House. “Under your leadership, Pakistan played a strong role in the Security Council, including on promoting Security Council reform and paving the way to a landmark resolution on peacekeeping operations,” he said. Masood will be returning to Islamabad next month after two years service as ambassador to the UN. He will be replaced by Maleeha Lodhi whom he called “a formidable diplomat.”
The secretary-general also told the gathering of heads of diplomatic missions accredited to the UN, top UN officials, prominent citizens and journalists that the world needs to widen its lens and see Pakistan in full perspective. “We feel it in the poetry of Allama Iqbal. We see it in the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah. We hear it in the songs of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. We are inspired by it through the courage of Malala Yousafzai,” he told the cheering audience. “And, on good days, we celebrate in the bats of the Pakistan cricket team!” The secretary-general fondly recalled his visit to Pakistan in August 2013, and said that he was especially touched by the archaeological site at Taxila. “I was so honoured to celebrate with all Pakistanis your national day of independence.”
Turning to Ambassador Masood, Ban said, “Thank you for your service not only to your country, but to the United Nations. Thank you for your immense support to the organisation as well as to me personally. “This is a bittersweet occasion. I am sad to say farewell. But I am honoured to join so many colleagues and friends to say -thank you.” Earlier, Masood profusely thanked those present, saying, “I will miss the UN. A part of me will always stay here. “I wish you all success this year as you shape the final post-2015 development agenda, take important decisions on environmental sustainability , forge new global compacts and partnerships to generate resources to fulfill our ambitious goals, and review peacekeeping agenda.”
He also praised the leadership of Ban Ki-moon. “You have inspired us all and taught us to work for change without being deterred by difficulties and without losing the sight of the pig picture. You have touched our hearts with your humility. You are probably by far the most hardworking statesman in the world.” In conclusion, Ambassador Masood said, “Support to the UN is the keystone of Pakistan’s foreign policy. Pakistan will be there for the UN for peace, for peacekeeping, for development, for human rights, for the rule of law, and for a just world.” Earlier, Austrian Ambassador Martin Sajdik, who is also president of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), also joined in paying tributes to Ambassador Masood for his hardwork and dedication to duty.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk