Tributes paid to Imam Khomeini

Speakers from different schools of thought paid rich tributes to the great Muslim leader, Imam Khomeini, for his revolutionary vision given to the world.
They were addressing "Imam Khomeini Peace Conference" organised by the Pak-Iran friendship forum here on Friday.
Caretaker High commissioner of Iran in Pakistan Raza Allayee said that we should play our role to bring the Muslim world at a single platform and that was the message of Imam Khomeini, who always favoured the concept of unity among the Muslin Ummah.
Information Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed called for greater unity among the Muslim Ummah and building stronger bonds between Pakistan and Iran.
He added that Imam Khomeini was a great leader, who gave a unique vision of Muslim unity. He ruled the hearts of the people through peace, love and brotherhood.
In response to the present circumstances, he urged the Muslim Ummah to unite. Quoting the example of Iraq where, he said, Sunnis and Shias were showing unity against external forces, Pakistanis should also weld themselves into a strong, united force.
He further urged the governments of Pakistan and Iran to cement closer ties. There should be no discrimination of Sunni or Shia, as both were Muslims and following one God, one Prophet and Holy Quran.
The Cultural Counsellor of Iran Agha-e-Awas Jee highlighted teachings of Imam Khomeini and his leadership role against external enemies.
Welcoming the minister's address, the cultural counsellor said: "We are proud to be a great friend of Pakistan, and Iran want to remain an exemplary friend of this Islamic country."
Senator Allama Abbas Kumaili said Khomeini was a symbol of revolution. He said: "We, first of all, are Muslim and, then Shia or Sunni."
He added it was the conspiracy of invisible powers that created rift between the two sects. The Senator added the Muslims need to understand the vision and ideology of the Quaid-e-Azam and Imam Khomeini, since both leaders had given us freedom from western imperialism.
Other speakers who addressed the conference included Dr Ghazanfar Mehdi, Dr Aliya Imam, Dr Fardous Aga Awan and Peer Naqib-ur-Rehman.