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Lahore, August 1, 2007 – U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan Anne W. Patterson stressed that the “United States has great respect for Islam and its ideals of justice, tolerance, and peace” during her visit to the historic Badshahi Mosque. She was received at the mosque by Imam and Khateeb Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad.
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Ambassador Patterson Meets CM, Governor and Visits Badshahi Mosque
Lahore – U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan Anne W. Patterson stressed that the “United States has great respect for Islam and its ideals of justice, tolerance, and peace” during her visit to the historic Badshahi Mosque.
“Islam is the second largest religion in the United States and I look forward to working closely with Islamic leaders in Pakistan during my time here. Dialogue with religious leaders from all faiths is critical,” stated Ambassador Patterson after she was received at the mosque by Imam and Khateeb Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad.
“No religion tolerates, promotes, advocates, or approves of the use of terrorism or violence. The United States has no quarrel with Islam. Our quarrel is with those from any faith who attempt to misuse religion to justify violence or terrorism for political ends,” she remarked.
Ambassador Patterson felt that the restoration of the Alamgiri Gate under the Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation “will ensure that this important national symbol survives for future generations.”
On her first visit to the provincial capital, Ambassador Patterson also paid courtesy visits on Punjab Chief Minister Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi and Governor Lt. Gen (retired) Khalid Maqbool. She also met with religious leaders representing different faiths and schools of thought.
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