Al-Ghamdi acts in solidarity with stranded Pakistanis

Syed Mussarat Khalil JEDDAH — “In solidarity with stranded Pakistanis in Bangladesh I have decided not to buy new clothes this Eid Al-Fitr,” said renowned scholar, columnist and former diplomat Dr. Ali Al-Ghamdi at a function organized by Muslim Welfare & Development Organization (MW&DO) a reputable registered NGO working for the welfare of stranded Pakistanis living in Bangladeshi camps. In his address, he thanked Abu Farhan Siddiqui for inviting him to attend the event of MW&DO. He announced a donation of SR5,000 for stranded Pakistanis living in camps and appealed other members to come forward and donate to this organization because “these people are doing good work”. He said, “I visited the camps over 20 years back and had seen those people were living like animals. It is the duty of every Muslim, in general, and Pakistanis, in particular, to extend all possible assistance to those people in alleviating their miseries.” “Ramadan is an excellent occasion when the rewards of all charitable acts is multiplied manifold by Allah,” he added. Abu Farhan Siddiqui, chief organizer of MW&DO, thanked Dr. Al-Ghamdi for his tremendous support and donation. He highlighted education and other welfare activities of the organization and distribution of Ramadan food packets. He added, many of the students sponsored by MW&DO are studying in universities. He said 24 students qualified from schools and most of the students got over 90% marks while they live in huts, which lack basic facilities. MW&DO plans to increase support of more students to enhance educational program, which can help them support their families to live with dignity rather than seek charity. Qualified youngsters are also helping in running schools and clinics in camps. The function started with recitation of verses from the Qur’an by Qari Mohammad Asif. Naat was rendered by Mohsin Alavi. Syed Mohsin Alvi made supplication for repatriation of stranded Pakistanis. Khalid Wajih, senior member, gave the vote of thanks.