Date: 25 Nov. 2008

Under the aegis of the Jama Masjid United Forum (JMUF), a representative delegation led by Mr. Syed Yahya Bukhari went on a four-day visit (from 8 to 11 November) to Afghanistan. During their stay in Kabul, the members of the delegation met the Afghan President Mr. Hamid Karzai and exchanged views with him for 75 minutes. Terming the menace of terrorism as the biggest challenge, Mr. Karzai apprised the delegation of his concerns in this regard. He also inquired about the state of education and progress of the Indian Muslims from the delegation. He told of his stay in Shimla for studies when he was a student, the pleasant reminiscences of which he still preserves in his memory. In this meeting, the former Afghan President Mr. Sibghatullah Mojaddidi who is also the chairman of the senate of Afghanistan, was also present. The parley included discussions on getting the Islamic world rid of the menace of terrorism and fostering cordial and friendly relations between the people of Afghanistan and India.

Mr. Karzai said that terrorism is a big challenge of our times and the Muslims of the entire world are targeted. Apart from the JMUF President, Mr. Syed Yahya Bukhari and his elder brother Mr. Syed Hassan Bukhari, the delegation included Mr. Naseemul Hasan, Executive member of the JMUF, Mr. Hasan Shuja, journalist and Ghafoor Bukhari s/o Yahya Bukhari. During their visit, a reception was given to the delegation by the Parliament of the Afghanistan where detailed discussions and exchange of views took place between the members of the Afghan Parliament and the members of the Indian delegation. Members of the Parliament stressed on the need to eradicate the scourge of terrorism and restoration of peace for carrying out the works of reconstruction and progress. The delegation met in Kabul the Chief Justice of Afghanistan, Professor Abdus Salaam Azmi and discussed matters of mutual concern.

The delegation also met many important dignitaries of Afghanistan government.

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