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Friday, October 25, 2013
Canadian high commissioner pays tribute to Shahbaz Bhatti
* Greg Giokas inaugurates solar irrigation plant in Khushpur
ISLAMABAD: Canadian High Commissioner to Pakistan Greg Giokas inaugurated a solar irrigation plant in the village of Khushpur in Punjab, supported through the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives.
During the visit, Giokas paid tribute to the late minister Shahbaz Bhatti who grew up in Khushpur.
He praised Bhatti’s commitment to promoting human rights and interfaith harmony, which came at a cost to his life in 2010.
With his brother, Paul Bhatti, the high commissioner laid a wreath at the grave of Shahbaz Bhatti in a show of deep respect for his life’s work.
Giokas condemned violence against any individual on the basis of their faith, while also recognising the challenges that members of the Christian community face in Pakistan. He urged the community to find solutions collectively to improve livelihood opportunities, by educating the next generation and working together to create a strong vibrant community.
He praised the community for their perseverance and commitment to a peaceful, stable and prosperous Pakistan.
“Canada believes that in any society, we will have disagreements with one another, but a requirement of a free society is the ability to voice your views and worship your faith without fear of violent reprisal. In Canada, many races and religions are represented. And yet, these communities live peacefully beside one other,” stated Greg Giokas.
The solar irrigation plant, which runs at no cost to the village, will provide a sustainable income to the community through the production of crops on land that was once arid. Access to clean drinking water will not only reduce health risks and mortality rates but will also relieve women and girls from carrying heavy loads of water for drinking and household use. pr
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk
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