Paying respects: US Consul General visits shrine of Baba Farid

Says US govt is assisting in the renovation of the shrine of Shah Shams Tabraiz

MULTAN: United States Consul General Zachary Harkenrider visited the mausoleum of Baba Fariduddin Ganjshakar in Pakpattan on Friday. Minister for Auqaf Mian Atta Muhammad Maneka and National Assembly member Sardar Mansab Ali Dogar also accompanied him.

Harkenrider was welcomed by the caretakers of the shrine. They presented a shawl to the American diplomat and gave him a tour. Harkenrider laid flowers on the grave.

Talking to newsmen, Harkenrider said the government of United States was taking interest in preservation of mausoleums of south Punjab.

“These places truly represent the culture and heritage of the country,” he said.

“Tourists from all around the globe feel immense pleasure at these shrines. We want to preserve this unique heritage,” he said. “I feel peace and solace whenever I visit shrines of Sufi saints.”

He said the US government had initiated several projects for renovation of historical sites.

“The US government recently initiated a project for renovation of the shrine of Shah Shams Tabraiz,” he said.

He said that American government fully understood the need for preservation of Pakistani heritage for future generations.

Later, the consul general was given a lunch at the DCO’s office in Pakpattan where he met with various district officials.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 7^th, 2016.