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Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari today in recognition of outstanding services of Ms. Aunng San Suu Kyi for the promotion of democracy conferred upon her Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Award for Democracy at her residence in Yangon .
The Award was presented to Daw Suu Kyi by Ms. Aseefa Bhutto Zardari. The ceremony that was witnessed by a large number of media representatives representing Myanmar media outlets was also attended by members of visiting Pakistani delegation besides Chairman PPP Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.
Speaking on the occasion, the President lauded the services of Ms. Suu Kyi for the cause of democracy saying that Daw Suu Kyi is a source of inspiration for millions around the world. He said that Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto held Ms. Suu Kyi in high esteem and used to call her “a brave inspiration to us all”.
He said that it was a moment of great pleasure for him to witness Ms. Suu Kyi accepting the award that was named after Shaheed Benazir Bhutto who in her struggle for democracy even laid her life for this noble cause. We are honoured that she has accepted the award, the President remarked.
He said that the world was witnessing today the culmination of an amazing journey undertaken by Daw Suu. Myanmar is seeing a remarkable transformation largely because of her, the President observed.
He said that during his meeting with President Thein Sein yesterday, he congratulated him at the pace and scope of the democratization process and today I applaud Daw Suu for her role in the success of this process.
The President said that Pakistan will be a partner and friend of Myanmar as it moves forward in this journey.
Earlier, the citation read on this occasion said that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, scion of the legendary Aung San, through her life and work, distinguished herself as an avid student, scholar, researcher, writer, philosopher, and social and political worker. Her life and work was indeed a testimony of her great innate human qualities, qualifying her as an outstanding leader and a veritable icon of nobility.
It said that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi symbolizes humility, courage and selfless pursuit of the noble ideals of equality, human dignity and justice, encapsulated in her life-long struggle for democracy.
Despite long years of hardship and incarceration, the brilliance of her heart and spirit shines with ever more radiance, promising hope and success for her people and the humanity at large, the citation read on the occasion said.
It said that like Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Shaheed, Aung San Suu Kyi was held in the highest esteem and respect as one who ardently espoused and struggled for democracy and human rights fearlessly and, by non-violent means, stood for and worked the transformation that touches each heart and soul.
The citation was read by Dr. Asad M. Khan, Additional Secretary Foreign Office.
Before presentation of the Award ceremony, the President along with Chairman PPP Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Ms. Aseefa Bhutto Zardari and other senior officials held a meeting with Ms. Suu Kyi that lasted for about an hour.
Spokesperson to the President Farhatullah Babar said that the President accompanied by Chairman PPP Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Aseefa Bhutto Zardari travelled to Yangon from Nay Pyi Taw to meet the icon of democracy whose struggle remains a source of inspiration for the pro-democratic elements all across the world.
The President upon his arrival at the residence of Daw Suu Kyi was received by Ms. Aung San Suu Kyi who remarked that he was the first President to visit her.
During their hour long meeting, the President lauded her services for the cause of democracy wishing the people of Myanmar all success on their path towards democratization process. He said that during his meeting with President Thein Sein he lauded his efforts for democratization of the country terming it crucial for the socio-economic people of the country and their empowerment in a real manner.
The President said that like Ms. Suu Kyi’s non violent struggle, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto also chose the path of reconciliation as she firmly believed that reconciliation and not revenge was the only way to move forward. He said that the people of Pakistan have great respect for Ms. Suu Kyi and her country.
He wished Ms. Suu and the people of Myanmar success in the incredible and irreversible course of democracy.
Ms. Suu Kyi recalled Mohtarma Shaheed Benazir Bhutto and lauded her unparalleled struggle for the cause of democracy in Pakistan.
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Haji Ahmed Malik
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