Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly on Wednesday observed a one minute silence to acknowledge the services rendered by Cuban revolutionary leader Fidel Castro for the victims of earthquake that hit Pakistan on October 8, 2005.

Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq said the Cuban government sent paramedical teams to help Pakistanis affected by the devastating earthquake. He said a one minute silence should be observed to honour late Fidel Castro and suggested to pass a resolution to pay homage to the iconic leader.

Minister of State for Interior and Narcotics Control Baleeghur Rehman said the Cuban government not only sent paramedical teams during the 2005 earthquake but also gave 1,000 scholarships to Pakistani medical students.

Mehmood Khan Achakzai, Shazia Marri and Aftab Shahban Mirani also paid homage to Fidel Castro.

The House then unanimously adopted the resolution moved by Defence Production Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain expressing its deep grief over the demise of revolutionary Fidel Castro who stood steadfast in the face of tyranny and dictatorship to bring the dawn of new day in Cuba.

“The world will remember his struggle for an egalitarian society and he will stand as an example for all those striving against injustices,” the resolution said.

Pakistan, it said, remained indebted to President Fidel Castro for Cuba’s unconditional assistance during the catastrophic earthquake of 2005 and for the establishment of over 1,000 medical scholarships for Pakistani students.

“The passing of President Fidel Castro is a loss not only felt by the peoples of Cuba but also by their brethren Pakistan who stand with them in their time of grief,” it added.