The High Commissioner of Pakistan H.E Maj. Gen. (Retd) Umar Farooq Burki HI (M) graced as Chief Guest a simple yet meaningful ceremony arranged by Mr. Jawfer, President of Chamber of Tourism & Industries, Arugam Bay in order to acknowledge and reiterate resolve of Government of Pakistan and its people towards uplifting the women of society, says a press release received here today from Sri Lanka. While underscoring the importance of women as an integral part of any community, H.E Maj. Gen. (Retd) Umar Farooq Burki HI (M) said that it is the woman who makes a house of bricks a home with her love and dedication. As mother, daughter, sister and wife, a woman plays the basic role in shaping the society. He further said that woman holds a high place in social hierarchy in all her roles. As the poet of East Allama Muhammad Iqbal has mentioned women in his poetry as “colors of the universe”. She brings life, colors and meaning to life itself. The International Women’s Day, was celebrated at Pottuvil on 8th March 2022 as part of an international effort to raise awareness about women’s rights and gender parity. H.E. Maj. Gen. (Retd) Umar Farooq Burki HI (M) highlighted how much importance has been given to women by our religion Islam. “Islam teaches that men and women are equal before God. It grants women divinely sanctioned inheritance, property, social and marriage rights, including the right to reject the terms of a proposal and to initiate divorce”. These are the rights given to women by Islam almost a thousand and five hundred years ago. Whereas in the year 2022, theme of International Women’s Day is “Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow”. This shows how progressive and pragmatic our religion is. H.E Maj. Gen. (Retd) Umar Farooq Burki HI (M) pointed out that Eastern province is full of promising opportunities in terms of tourism, local small business, hoteling, sea surfing and much more. Pakistan & Sri Lanka can come together and learn from each other in so many sectors of mutual bilateral interest. Both the countries have huge potential in tourism, education, dairy products, investment and business as well as joint training ventures. The High Commissioner encouraged the local community especially the women to identify some areas where Pakistan and Sri Lanka may enter into joint partnerships for the uplift of the local communities in Sri Lanka and Pakistan. High Commissioner of Pakistan H.E Maj. Gen. (Retd) Umar Farooq Burki HI (M) distributed dry ration for hundred deserving widows, thirty automatic sewing machines and sixty school bags with necessary school equipments for children of Arugam Bay community.
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