Absence of minister irks participants

Function begins after an hour-and-a-half delay.

ISLAMABAD:

When a minister who was supposed to grace a gathering with her presence as the chief guest to boost the country’s soft image does not show up, it sends the wrong signals to participants gathered there to share inspiring stories.

Participants at a function, organised by Inspire Pakistan Movement, a group striving to project the country’s soft image, at Fatima Jinnah Park were kept waiting an hour and a half for Heritage and National Integration Minister Samina Ghurki who was invited as the chief guest.

The audience comprised mostly of officials of the Aiwan-e-Quaid, who were asked to fill the seats since only a few students were present in the hall. “How can we project a soft image when our ministers are so insensitive,” said an official of the Aiwan-e-Quaid, who wished not to be named.

Arif Azhar, an O level student, blamed the minister for wasting his time and said it would have been better if he had stayed home.

“They misuse public funds, and waste our precious time, such irresponsible behavior of minister makes no sense,” he added.

The organisers asked the federal secretary for Heritage and National Integration, Asaf Ghafoor to officiate as chief guest after Ghurki failed to turn up.

“The country’s image is being negatively affected due to the ongoing war on terror,” Ghafoor said. He urged students, social activists and overseas Pakistanis to work for projecting a soft image and promised his ministry would support their efforts.

Ghafoor said the youth had great potential whose efforts can help bring a positive change and stem the rising tide of intolerance.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 22^nd, 2013.