Zubair Qureshi
While following the tradition of Iftar Dinners being organized in the federal capital by various dignitaries, businessmen and NGOs, Ambassador of Ethiopia, Jemal Beker Abdula, also hosted an Iftar banquet at his residence and served the guests with traditional Ethiopian dishes, Pakistani and continent food, fruits, dates and juices etc. The Iftar party was attended by well-known figures including parliamentarians, business community, government officials, members of the diplomatic corps and the Ethiopian diaspora as well as media and members of civil society.
Among the guests included Senator Mushahid Hussain, MNA Romina Khursheed Alam, President of the Africa-Pakistan Association Zafar Bakhtawari, High Commissioner of Mauritius Rashidally Soobadar and COMSATS Executive Director Nafees Zakaria.
Ethiopian envoy who was wearing Ethiopia’s traditional chuba (a long, loose-fitting dress), netela (a shawl), loose pants known as habesha kemis and a traditional hat welcomed the guests at his residence.
Ramadan he said is a month Muslims observe all over the world including Ethiopia and Pakistan with traditional religious passion. It is also a month of caring and sharing, he said.
He said Pakistan was a country of generous people who loved to share with others a deep sense of compassion, affability and affection.
The ambassador also spoke about Ethiopia and its linguistic, social, religious and cultural diversity. Addis Ababa, the Capital of Ethiopia, witnessed a grand street Iftar on a regular basis giving a festive look during the holy month of Ramazan, he noted.
The ambassador also spoke about social, cultural, political and economic similarities between the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
