The Consul General of Italy in Karachi, Mr. Danilo Giurdanella hosted the second edition of Iftar dinner in Karachi. The event was organized for the Muslims and non-Muslims residing in Karachi including government officials, diplomatic community, religious clerics and local dignitaries to commemorate the holy month of Ramadan and promote inter-faith harmony. Honorable Chief Minister Sindh Mr. Murad Ali Shah and Honorable Governor Sindh, Mr. Kamran Tessori attended the Iftar dinner. Other dignitaries present were; Hon.Dr. Azra Pechuho, Sindh Minister for Health, Hon. Mr. Imtiaz Ahmed Shaikh, Sindh Minister for Energy and Rear Admiral Salman Ilyas, MD Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works.
Mr. Danilo Giurdanella gave a welcome speech to all the guests and thanked them for taking out time during the holy month of Ramadan. He shared that it is a great experience to observe fasting during the holy month. CG Giurdanella started the tradition of hosting an annual Iftar by Italian Consulate in Karachi. This year, is the second edition and he hopes that this tradition will continue in Karachi for years to come.
Addressing the audience, the Consul General said that Fasting is a combination of the physical and the spiritual struggle. The physical difficulties that come about from the sacrifices of abstinence from food, drink, and other enjoyments of life enable the soul to attain spiritual enhancement. Ramadan is a clear reflection of this very concept. It entails sacrifice; sacrifice of the mind, body and soul and advocates for good mannerism, humility, and generosity.
Mr. Giurdanella underlined that Islam needs to be better known to the world in order to fight misconceptions and Islamophobia. While quoting a verse (49:13) from the Holy Quran, he said that Islam is a religion of peace that also appreciates diversity.
The way forward to make this world tolerant is to engage in dialogue to promote interfaith harmony and religious freedom. Only through dialogue, I believe that the misconceptions about Islam can be avoided and be better understood in the world.
CG prayed that this Ramadan which meaningfully coincides with Easter period, brings health and happiness to everyone, regardless of religion or belief, as we all live on this planet with the same fears and hopes.
