Hearts of Pakistani, Saudi nations beat in unison: Firdous

Minister for Information and Broadcasting Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan on Thursday said Pakistan and Saudi Arabia were like “one nation, two countries” and the hearts of their people beat in unison.
Addressing as chief guest at “Saudi-Pak Charity Festival” organized by Saudi School at Saudi Embassy here for the children of Baitul Maal, Dr Firdous said the Saudi nation had always supported Pakistan during difficult times like earthquake or floods. She said the Saudi Embassy’s way of expressing solidarity with the orphan children of Pakistan was worth appreciation. Such activities will bring the two countries more closer and help improve people-to-people contacts, she added. She especially appreciated the role of Saudi Ambassador Abdul Aziz bin Ibrahim Al-Ghadeer and his wife Aljourah Abdullah A Alarifi for helping Pakistan in every time of need. She said during the recent visit of Saudi Minister for Culture and Information Dr Abdul Aziz bin Mohiuddin Al-Khoja to Pakistan, memoradums of understanding (MoUs) were signed to further enhance bilateral cooperation in the fields of media and culture.
Dr Firdous said that the two countries would continue to work jointly on every platform for the harmony, unity and progress of the Muslims as their peoples were tied in the eternal bond of friendship, trust and brotherhood. The minister lauded the role of Chairman of Pakistan Baitul Maal (PBM) Zamurd Khan in materialization of the dream of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto to provide shelter and education to the orphans, especially those who belong to the families which fell victim to terrorism. She said the PBM was looking after over 2800 orphan children and providing them education and other requirements of life. On the occasion, the minister announced donation of one-month salary and Rs 100,000 for the orphan children of Baitul Maal.
The wife of Saudi Ambassador said that the staff and children of Saudi School havdorganized the charity festival and the amount generated through sale of the products at the stalls would go to the Baitul Maal. On the occasion, she presented a cheque of Rs 500,000 to Zamurd Khan as donation.
The PBM Chairman said that Sweet Homes had been established in different cities depending on the number of orphan children. Zamurd Khan said there were no funding problems because many donors and philanthropists had shown interest in providing donations and sponsoring these children.
97 deported Pakistanis arrive from Oman: A group of 97 Pakistanis, who were detained in Oman for illegal entry, have arrived here at Benazir Bhutto International airport through two different flights on Thursday. On their arrival Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), Passport Circle staff have taken all of them into custody and started investigation. Later three of them were released by the authorities.