There should be no blame game before facts about Pahalgam are established: Gilani

Senate Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani attended the Rotary International District Conference 2025 as chief guest and commended Rotary International's role in serving humanity, promoting health, empowering youth, and fighting polio across the globe and in Pakistan.

Addressing a large gathering of diplomats, parliamentarians, civil society members, and Rotarians, he lauded the leadership of Rizwan Adhia, District Governor of Rotary International, and acknowledged the contributions of all members.

“Rotary’s legacy is rooted in more than a century of service, compassion, and community building,” he said. “It is an honour to be among those who live by the motto of ‘Service Above Self’.”

Gilani highlighted Rotary’s impact in building strong communities, especially through its work in polio eradication, healthcare access, clean energy in rural areas, and youth development.

“From the crowded cities of Pakistan to remote villages in Africa, Rotary has created a network of hope and action. Its true success lies not just in numbers, but in its unwavering commitment to building a better world,” he added.

He emphasized Rotary’s alignment with Pakistan’s national development goals and praised initiatives such as the Smart Villages project and collaboration with Ziauddin Hospital for children’s heart surgeries.

“With 64% of our population under 30, Rotary’s youth leadership programmes are shaping future leaders, not spectators,” he said.

He reaffirmed his support for Rotary’s initiatives and said the Senate will back efforts through legislation focused on inclusive development, women’s empowerment, and environmental protection.

Furthermore, the Senate chairman spoke on regional peace and current tensions between Pakistan and India. “India is trying to divert global attention from the real issue of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK),” he said. Referring to the recent Pahalgam incident, he added, “Pakistan is a peaceful country and is ready for a fair investigation. There should be no blame game before facts are established.”

Calling himself a peace ambassador, Gilani urged Rotary and civil society to contribute to peace-building efforts in the region. “Peace, harmony, and brotherhood are the core values of both Rotary and our faith. Let us work together to ease tensions and promote dialogue.”

Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi also addressed the event and appreciated Rotary’s efforts in health, education, and community welfare.

“Rotary’s services in Pakistan, especially in remote areas, deserve full recognition. I assure full support for these initiatives in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and look forward to partnerships that can uplift our underserved regions,” he stated.

The event was also attended by Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori, Dr Farooq Sattar, and diplomats, including Oman’s Consul General Sami Abdullah Al Khanjari, Germany’s Deputy Consul General Andreas Wagner, and Honorary Consul of Yemen Mirza Ikhtiar Baig.