GWADAR: “China filled my food table, honoured my dignity at Iftar Program”, says Gwadar labourer.
“China’s last day of “3-day Iftar program” is among the few moments in my life when I broke my fast with dignity and elaborate food on my table. I am very thankful to the Chinese government for much-needed care for me and the residents of Gwadar in this holy month of Ramadan,” Yousaf Khuda Bakhsh, a local daily wager said.
Being an attendee of the last day of China’s 3-day Iftar Program, he told Gwadar Pro “owing to the ongoing back-breaking inflationary period, many like me have not been able to get so much food. But thanks to the support I have been able to break my fast with reverence”.
Zaeem Baloch, a teen working at a tea shop after breaking fast at China’s 3-day Iftar program said that “I used to believe that Chinese people neither like local destitute nor care Gwadar people”. “Today it is realised that on our holy month Ramazan, they fed us with a range of drinks and meals at Iftar time”, he added. One day he will pay back this gesture, he hoped.
The event was organised in collaboration with the Chinese Embassy in Pakistan, Helping Hand Foundation and China Overseas Port Holding Company (COPHC)
China’s 3-Day Iftar Program came to end with enthusiasm on Friday leaving a lasting imprint of philanthropism, humanity and a people-to-people bond between China and the indigenous community of impoverished people in Gwadar.
Iftar Program commenced on Wednesday. It managed to feed over 600 deserving people belonging to the lower strata of society in Gwadar for three days.
Moreover, Muneer Mehr, the vice president of Helping Hand Foundation, the group of local volunteers, expressed similar feelings. “The sort of assistance we received from the esteemed Embassy is unprecedented”, said Muneer. “This kind gesture serves affability. Apart from helping the poor have enough to eat, it boosts the morale of local youth that the Chinese brothers stand by us through thick and thin”, he added.
Wali Muhammad, the Information Secretary of Helping Hand Foundation, was equally appreciative of the efforts by COPHC and Chinese authorities. “Such generous contributions by the Chinese brothers for a specifically religious event reflect their vision of inclusivity and coexistence. On behalf of attendees, I thank the sponsors for their invaluable help and support,” he added. -Agencies
