Dr Tahir-ul-Qadri hosts reception in honor of Nelson Mandela’s grandson

PAT Chairman Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri hosted a reception in the honour of Mandla Mandela, the grandson of iconic anti-apartheid leader Nelson Mandela. The reception was attended by South African guests namely Dr A V Muhammad (Chairman South Africa Memon Community), Barrister Ismail Abul Hassan al-Khateeb, Muhammad Zaid Nurdin, Rafique Naqshbandi, PML-Q leader Mian Imran Masood, PTI leader Waleed Iqbal, PPP leader Naveed Ch, and a large number of local notables and senior journalists. Chairman MQI Supreme Council Dr Hassan Mohi-ud-Din Qadri, Dr Hussain Mohi-ud-Din Qadri, PAT President Qazi Zahid Hussain and Secretary General Khurram Nawaz Gandapur received the honorable guests upon their arrival at the PAT Secretariat.

In his remarks, Dr Tahir-ul-Qadri welcomed the guests and stated that MQI is working throughout the world to promote peace, brotherhood and interfaith harmony. He said that there is a dire need that the Muslims world as well as the whole humanity forges unity in their ranks to be able to defeat the forces of terrorism, radicalism and militancy. He thanked the South Asian delegation for coming all the way to Lahore on his invitation to attend the Mawlid-un-Nabi Conference. The honorable guests were presented souvenirs.

Addressing the reception, Mandla Mandela said that both Pakistani and South African peoples have similar political history. He said that both nations fought against colonialism and won their independence after exemplary sacrifices. He said that we are of the considered opinion that the people of Kashmir and Palestine should also get their inalienable right for self-determination. He said that he got immense love during his stay in Pakistan, adding that the people here are very warm, affectionate and lovely. He said that MQI is rendering fantastic services for the international peace and harmony in the world, stating that we are waiting for the tour of Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri to South Africa.

South African scholar Barrister Ismail Abul Hassan al-Khateeb said in his speech that a big leader is the one who has generosity of heart. He said that when Nelson Mandela won his freedom after 27 years of incarceration, he said that there is no difference between black and white. He said that South Africa is a country owned by all without any discrimination. He said that it is the same thought that the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) expressed at the time of conquest of Makkah. He said that Nelson Mandel would study the life of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), adding that the light of Islam that has shone in his family is a special blessing of Allah Almighty.

PAT Secretary General Khurram Nawaz Gandapur gave a detailed introduction of the guests. He also played the role of an Urdu translator during the proceedings. Mandla Mandela and other guests visited different directorates and departments of the central secretariat. After the visit, the honorable guest expressed his extreme pleasure and said that he never saw such an organized and well-knit organization that has a setup in over 90 countries and is working in different fields. He said that we pray to Allah Almighty to give good health and long life to Dr Tahir-ul-Qadri who is serving the cause of Islam with complete dedication.

It is pertinent to mention here that Mandla Mandela accepted Islam with the special efforts of MQI South Africa and the member of SA Parliament and undertook his maiden visit to Lahore to attend the International Mawlid-un-Nabi Conference on the special invitation of Dr Tahir-ul-Qadri.