Waqar Naseem Wamiq

RIYADH — Pakistani peace walker Kharalzada Kasrat Rai successfully completed his 1,100-km-long peace walk from Jeddah to Riyadh in 13 days.



Rai started his “Love for Harmain Al-Sharifan” walk from the Pakistani consulate in Jeddah on June 6 and ended it at Pakistani Embassy in Riyadh on June 18.



With Pakistani and Saudi Arabian flags in his hands, Rai entered the Diplomatic Quarter of Riyadh just an hour before sunset.



Upon his arrival at the Pakistani Embassy, Deputy Head of Mission Khayyam Akbar with senior Embassy officials and  many members of the Pakistani community warmly welcomed Rai by presenting him a bouquet of flowers.



Later in the night Rai was given a warm reception by Shanshad Siddiqui of the Pakistani Investor’s Forum (PIF).



Speaking at the reception Khayyam Akbar said, “Saudi-Pakistani ties are at their best, and this successful Haramain Al-Sharfain walk further strengthens the brotherly bond of our two countries.”



“It’s a historic day for all of us as one of our brilliant Pakistani peace walkers Kasrat Rai successfully accomplished his task of a peace walk. I wish him all the best in his future peace missions,” added Khayyam Akbar.



Rai was upbeat about his peace endeavors. “With this successful walk in solidarity with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the world learned about the strong relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia,” Rai said.



“I am thankful to the Saudi government, the people of Saudi Arabia, the Pakistani Embassy and community members for supporting my cause. I am also thankful to my companions on the walk   Burhanullah and Muhammad Ahmed Mubashir,” he said.



Pakistani businessman and senior PIF member Siddiqui congratulated Rai on the successful completion of his peace walk.



“Pakistanis are peace-lovers and peace-keepers. Our soldiers sacrificed their lives on many occasions either in their war on terrorism or in peace missions under the UN in Somalia or Bosnia or anywhere else in the world for the sake of peace and love. Once again a Pakistani, Kasrat Rai, proves that we are peace-lovers,” Siddiqui said.



Siddiqui also offered his condolences over the demise of Pakistani welfare attaché Mueen Anwar who died while vacationing in Dubai earlier in the day due to a heart attack.



Peace-walker Rai was born in Khiddy Kharl village near Hafizabad in Punjab, Pakistan. He has devoted his life to the cause of peace, education, health and cultural activities.



He has undertaken a number of walks with the flag of peace within and beyond the boundaries of Pakistan.