Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: The US Embassy’s acting Deputy Chief of Mission, Jeffrey Sexton, has paid rich tribute to legendary figure of the world, Muhammad Ali, for his commence contribution for maintaining law and order situation and creating peace in the world.

He was speaking at the condolence reference in the memory of Muhammad Ali, who was a boxing icon of international renowned and global goodwill ambassador on Tuesday at Preston University.

Jeffrey Said, “Today we take a moment to pause and remember someone who was at once a great American, a true citizen of the world, and a long-time friend of Pakistan.”

He said, “The United States mourns the loss of one of its most iconic athletes; we honor his legend, and pay tribute to ‘The Champ’. We are profoundly grateful for the heart-felt condolence from friends around the world.”

He quoted President Barack Obama, who said that, “He was Muhammad Ali, a whole greater than the sum of its parts. He was bigger, brighter, more original and influential than just about anyone of his era. He had fans in every city and village, as he was feted by foreign heads of state; the beatles’ British invasion took a detour to come to him. It seemed sometimes that the Champ was too big for US.”

Archaeological and Historical Association of Pakistan Chairman Dr Ghazanfar Mehdi said, “This is the only condolence reference of distinguished personality of the world and Pakistan. All the human being and particularly Pakistani people love him so much. He was a universal person and a good friend of Pakistan.”

Mehdi said that on Muhammad Ali’s death, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said the death of Muhammad Ali is a great loss of Muslim World”.

He said that he will move a proposal to prime minister to rename sports complex as ‘Muhammad Ali Sports Complex’. Muhammad Ali had traveled twice to Pakistan in the late 1980s, once as a special guest to the South Asian Games in Islamabad and again on visit to Data Darbar in Lahore.

Preston University Registrar Dr Allah Wadhayo Baloch said, “The memorial of Muhammad Ali should be established in Pakistan.”

He said that international community should patronize institution of Sufism established by Archaeological and Historical Department.

D-Watson Group of Pharmacies Chairman Zafar Bakhtawari said, “He was a great man of 20th century. He raised the voice for the people who were deprived of human rights. He influenced the whole world by his dynamic personality. He will be remained in the history of mankind. He was known for his strong believe.”

He further said that Muhammad Ali believed that Islam is a religion of peace not extremism. Muhammad Ali dedicated himself to helping others. After retiring from boxing in 1981, Ali devoted his life to religious and charitable work.

Muhammad Ali defeated every top heavyweight in his era, which has been called the golden age of heavyweight boxing. Ali was named “Fighter of the Year” by Ring Magazine more times than any other fighter, he added. Ali showed at an early age that he wasn’t afraid of any bout-inside or outside of the ring. He said, “Ali was the first fighter to win the world heavyweight championship on three separate occasions; he successfully defended this title 19 times. Ali won 10 fights in a row, eight of them against world-class opponents. He remained in the ring for 21 years.”

Dr Firoza Ahmed, dean of social Sciences, and head of Gender Empowerment Division said, “Muhammad Ali will always be remembered and respected for his enormous love and care.

Dr Firoza said, “I am deeply grateful to Preston University Chancellor Dr Abdul Basit for remembering and praising this noble soul.