Syed Mussarat Khalil Saudi Gazette JEDDAH — Pakistani pilgrim Kharlzada Kasrat Rai received a warm welcome on arrival at the residence of Consul General Pakistan Aftab Ahmad Khokhar Sunday. He was accompanied on behalf of Governor Makkah Prince Fasial with Saud Al-Sheikhi, director general, Ministry of Information and Culture Makkah region. Rai, a social worker, held a big white flag with a message that said "walking toward the destination of global unity, peace and harmony. Addressing the gathering, comprising elite Saudis and members of the Pakistani community, Rai said he started his 6,387-kilometer walk from Karachi,Pakistan, on June 7 and crossed Balochistan, Iran, Iraq, Jordan before entering Madinah. He embarked on this mission from Karachi because it has been affected by terrorism, and it would end in Makkah, the city where Prophet Mohammed (Peace be upon him) gave the message of peace and equality to whole mankind, today.
The world record peace walk holder said he wishes for global unity among all nations for a better future. He said that there should be a balance of peace and power.
Born on November 20, 1976 in Khidday Kharl, Hafizabad, Pakistan, Rai spent a major chunk of his life promoting peace, education, health and cultural activities. He said each country has should exercise their autonomy without getting influenced by another country for the best interest of its own people. He paid rich tribute to the Custodian of Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah for his services for Islam and the Muslim Ummah. He expressed his gratitude for the Saudi government and people for encouragement, support and cooperation. Rai thanked Pakistan Ambassador Mohammed Naeem Khan, Consul General Aftab Khokhar and Pakistani ministries that helped him in this journey. His future plan is to "peace walk" from Islamabad to New Dehli. Khokhar lauded the enthusiasm and sprite of Rai. He said: "It is a great pleasure and honor for us to welcome the patriotic and peace loving Pakistani. We are with him and fully support his cause and peace mission." The consul general highlighted an earlier "peace walk" achievement of Rai, which was from Khyber to Karachi in 2007, covering 1,999 km in 85 days. He assured Rai that the consulate and its staffs will provide all assistance as and when required.
He thanked Express Money for sponsoring the event and read out their message, saying that Pakistanis should remit through official channels. Saud Al-Sheikhi also addressed and appreciated the message of peace and security of Rai. He prayed for all his successes and extended his support and cooperation. A shield and bouquet was presented to Rai by the Pakistan consul, Express Money and Pakistani female journalist group here.
