LAHORE:
US Congresswoman Ilhan Omar said meeting with the victims of India’s ceasefire violations and ‘see them suffer’ made it’s all more needed than before to raise Kashmir issue in the US Congress.
“Having met Kashmiri people in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) who treat bullet wounds due to India’s ceasefire violation, unbelievable experience’ she said when asked about her bold stance. on Problems of Kashmir and Palestine.
She shared that first-hand experience imposed on her “the obligation to stand for human rights and human dignity”.
During his four-day visit by invitation of Pakistani government congress US woman visited the Line of Control (LoC) in AJK and held meetings with number of key government officials, including the president, prime ministers and cabinet members, as well as leaders of political parties.
She is also visited the walled city of Lahore.
Ilhan said she always took up questions of Kashmir and Palestine in Congress, but added: “I didn’t have a chance to visit place in Human. It was incredible to meet people first hand and ask them how They want be in partnership with I am a member and advocate of (these) human rights.”
When asked if she would raise issue at the Congress, she said, having met in people in man and see how he suffers made need of promotion issue at Congress more urgent than hearing it from others. Ilkhan told her about herself story was of “Trial and Triumph”
“I was born in Somalia, but was forced to flee the country due to the civil war and lived for four years in generous Kenya in front of me and mine family were sponsored to come to the United States of America (USA).
“Here I was able to continue my studies and live in a community of warm-hearted people though it’s very cold in Minnesota, for in past 20 years. I represent people of my community in USA congress.
“I am someone who experienced harassment and violence of human rights in young age, and since I was put in position of power through people, I consider it mine duty to advocate for those who no it power”.
Ilhan said alive with in people powerless and facing economic challenges who did not have full educational opportunities, and who dealt with with Islamophobia and racial discrimination prepared her for fight for in cause of weak and exploited, she argued.
The US congresswoman said that the Pakistani diaspora provides a strong bond between Pakistan and the United States, noting that the relationship has strengthened. over in past 75 years old.
She said Americans have benefited from the entrepreneurial spirit of Pakistanis, their innovations and their focus on promotion technology and healthcare.
According to her, for many Americans their first interaction with Pakistanis were when they met them as their doctors and surgeons. people-to-people contacts cemented equal and mutually beneficial diplomatic relations, she added.
US congressman remembers experience of her first visit to Pakistan, saying: “I was humbled by the generosity of political leaders in Pakistan, who put aside their differences and welcomed me with with open arms during my visit to the federal capital.”
She rejected negative stories that (foreign) people could hear about Pakistan saying that they would be pleasantly shocked if know how her journey was smooth and joyful.
“I enjoyed every bite of my stay,” Ilkhan said. in answering a question about her visit to Pakistan.
Read more: The US values its ties with Pakistan: Ilhan Omar
“Cultural Harmony”
On her experience in The historical wall of Lahore city, the US Congresswoman said she was fascinated to find a church, a Sikh temple and a Hindu temple. in close proximity to the mosque when she visited the walled city of Lahore, which was best exhibitor of cultural harmony.
She pointed out that visiting pakistan help (foreign) people get over their concerns about the country.
Ilhan thanked the Pakistani government and people for warmth, generosity and hospitality, saying that she was treated like family member during her first brief visit to the country.
Of her visit to Lahore, Ilhan lovingly said, “I saw Lahore in movies from age of five but it was incredible experience visit Lahore in people and get to know Punjabi culture. It was like performance of a wish listshe added.
“Once I share my experience on social media of all those who stumble upon my experience will love buy a ticket and fly to Lahore,” she said.
On climate change, the US congresswoman said that it real issue and USA as global leader, “considers it is important to invest in in global community to off in challenges of changing of the climate. Must be an investment in renewable energy for ensure our junior generations inherit a planet fit for life.”
Ilhan said she would fight exploitative use of water of Punjab rivers by India, how she did it in happening of El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras.
Regarding Pakistani food, she said she likes spicy food. Her husband, Tim, was also loves of spicy pakistani food and his american pakistani friends cooked it in a bunch of.
In his address to the Pakistani diaspora in United States, she announced their participation in civil society and the electoral process were vital to creating a niche on political scene in United States. US Congresswoman told Pakistani girls and women that youth have limitless potential.
women need to realize their inner potential for ensure their outer release, they had to believe in their powers, and society would not change if they were not ready fight for yourself and rights of other.
She called women from Pakistani minorities to accept active part in politics To be heard.
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