A large number of political personalities, federal ministers, high-ranking military and civil officials and ambassadors attended a reception hosted by Saudi Ambassador Ali Awadh Asseri to mark the 77th national day of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on September 23. Ruling Pakistan Muslim League (PML) President Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, Secretary General Mushahid Hussain Saiyed, Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Chairman General Ehsanul Haq and Lt-Gen Salahuddin Satti were present on the occasion. The ministers included Khurshid M Kasuri, Sheikh Rashid Ahmed, Mohammad Ali Durrani, Tariq Azim, Naseer Khan, Salim Saifullah, Sikandar Bosan, Raza Hayat Haraj and some others. Besides, Hamid Nasir Chattha, Hamayun Saifullah, Akram Zaki, Abdus Sattar, Maulana Samiul Haq and retired ambassadors attended the function. Speaking on the occasion, Asseri said that the Saudi leadership considers terrorism a curse, which is against the teachings of our peace-loving religion. "Being a religion of peace and harmony, Islam forbids violence and is against all acts that bring any harm to the innocent people. It preaches tolerance, mutual accommodation and co-existence," the ambassador said. He thanked the government and people of Pakistan for awarding him the noble distinction "Hilal-e-Pakistan". This shows the great love and affection that the people of Pakistan have for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, he said. --MORE
