The High Commissioner of Pakistan welcomed an International Peace Walker, Mr. Kharlzada Kasrat Rai, to New Zealand

Pakistani community headed by Mr. Zulfiqar Butt had arranged for a ceremony

294

The High Commissioner of Pakistan, H.E. Dr. Abdul Malik, today welcomed Mr. Kharlzada Kasrat Rai to New Zealand. Mr. Rai has come from Pakistan for a Peace Walk from Wellington to Christchurch to commemorate first anniversary of Christchurch terrorist attacks of last year. Mr. Rai will cover 350 kms on foot and will reach Christchurch on 15 March for the anniversary.

The Pakistani community headed by Mr. Zulfiqar Butt had arranged for a ceremony in front of the Parliament to see off Mr. Rai which was attended by Minister for Workplace Relations, Immigration, and ACC, Mr. Iain Lees-Galloway and Members of Parliament Mr. Michael Wood and Ms. Priyanca Radhakrishnan. In their address the Minister and the MPs expressed their support to Mr. Rai’s cause and welcomed him to New Zealand. Mr. Rai thanked everyone for their presence and hoped that his walk would send a message of peace and brotherhood to the whole world.