FBR invites religious scholar to ‘motivate’ customs officers
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KARACHI: A motivational lecture by a religious scholar was organised for customs officers at the auditorium of the directorate general of training and research in Customs House here on Monday morning.
Renowned religious scholar Maulana Tariq Jamil delivered the lecture on ‘Morality and Ethics and Public Service Delivery’, organised by the Federal Board of Revenue.
In his early 60s and a member of the Tableeghi Jamaat that subscribes to the Deobandi school of thought, Maulana Jamil is a well-known orator.
The FBR had issued a communication (C.No: 152879/S (HRD)/2014) from Islamabad on May 14. It was addressed to all chief commissioners, chief collectors, and directors general so that they could inform their subordinate officers about the lecture.
A few customs officers, who had been in service for five to 15 years and with whom the reporter spoke, said that this was the first time such a lecture was organised by the customs here.
Responding to Dawn queries, Human Rights Commission of Pakistan chairperson Zohra Yusuf said that religion should not be introduced into state affairs.
She said the topic was relevant but she would have preferred if some technically qualified professional was invited to give the lecture. She said that morality and ethics should be linked to humanity and not to religion. She said that she would also have preferred if some professional relating to the field of the customs was called to lecture so that the customs officers would have sharpened their professional skills.
This, however, was not the first time that the government had invited a religious scholar to lecture government officials. Over a decade ago former chief minister Dr Arbab Ghulam Rahim also used to arrange lectures of Maulana Tariq Jamil at CM House for the secretaries to the government, departmental heads and other high-ranking government officials during his tenure, remembered a former forests and environment secretary Shams-ul-Haq Memon while talking to Dawn.
He said that usually on Fridays after every two to three months officers were invited to CM House to listen to the lecture, offer prayers and then meet the chief minister.
Published in Dawn, May 19th, 2015
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Comments (88) Closed
May 19, 2015 09:28am
welcome step
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May 19, 2015 09:32am
greatman
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May 19, 2015 10:12am
I dont understand why people say that religion should not be involved .....islam is a way of life you just can't put it in a closet...you need to practice it with your acts
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May 19, 2015 10:34am
If it works, it is good.
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May 19, 2015 10:36am
Yes our Government office needs a motivation lectures. One of good step from govt.
It should be continue.
Present problem created by human rights organizations who support criminal instead of justice.
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May 19, 2015 10:42am
Very good step. Appreciated.
Thumbs down for Zohra Yusuf. I feel she need to study Islam. Islam is a complete way of life which guides on every aspect of Life.
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May 19, 2015 10:53am
maulana sb is surely a true representer of islam may God bless him
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May 19, 2015 11:06am
Such lectures should instead be organized in Parliament for members of the Assembly. They need such motivation more because they are the one who pressurize these people to do wrong.
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May 19, 2015 11:11am
'Motivate', Why in Quotes?
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May 19, 2015 11:15am
If this can motivate people to be ethical and honest then why not.
I have attended many professional trainings, what matters the most is if you have a drive?
Our spirituality can play a vital role to build the drive for professional excellence.
Good step, please arrange more such lectures.
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May 19, 2015 11:34am
A very good move.
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May 19, 2015 11:47am
in our education system ‘Morality and Ethics and Public Service Delivery’, are for minorities, and for Muslims we learn Islamic studies.
With or without Pistol crime is a crime. Lecture or no lecture they will continue for what they do until punishments system is not in place.
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May 19, 2015 11:55am
great step (Y)
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May 19, 2015 12:01pm
Well people who are against introduction of religion in state affairs should remember that Islam is complete code of life. It provides you complete and perfect guidance in all walks of life. Imagine if every individual has faith and fears that his every action is being recorded and he will be accounted for his deeds no matter how big or small. In that case his actions would be self controlled and careful. This is what lead to exemplary government during during the time of Kulfa e Rashideen (righteous caliphates).
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May 19, 2015 12:02pm
@Farooq Ahmed : it does work when it's about learning and differentiating 'good' or 'bad' as an individual/as a team for a healthy society
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May 19, 2015 12:03pm
What the Human rights commission has to do with such events?. She is not qualified to speak on the issue. Ethics and morality are the prime requirements of each profession. These personal traits are more likely to develop with Beliefs than with degrees.
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May 19, 2015 12:09pm
very nice step . . and for Ms Zohra Yousaf . . ma'm religion is part and guidance for all of our affairs
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May 19, 2015 12:13pm
Disagree with Zohra Yusuf views. Nice initiative by FBR.
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May 19, 2015 12:26pm
I humbly ask a question to Miss Zohra Yusuf that where the religion is not affecting in our life?
Morality or ethics and professionalism go parallel like vehicle wheels. If one wheel gets punctured vehicle will stop and will not move ahead so the same if person is skillful and professional but also dishonest and corrupt or person is honest and responsible but not skillful or professional in both way system will fail.
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May 19, 2015 12:38pm
@Naxalite it's in quotes because its FBR version of motivation, because other wise to some it could be offensive for some to listen to Maulana. So its not motivation but 'motivation'.
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May 19, 2015 12:40pm
Good Step .keep it up... if we follow our religion we will not involve in any Corruption.
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May 19, 2015 12:43pm
That lecture is a very good step which should be appreciated. all the world's religions preach and emphasize on ethics and moral values. does not she exactly know what professional skills has really taught the humans???
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May 19, 2015 12:45pm
Teaching moral values and ethics to FBR is such a good thing, should extended to police and other government departments as well. we need good ppl with higher moral values and ethics.
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May 19, 2015 12:48pm
Is any system run by lectuers in the world?
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May 19, 2015 12:59pm
Good step...... and for miss Zohra Yusuf.. this was a motivational lecture which our nation badly needs and none other than religion can shake up the sleeping conscience from slumber .... Professionally, lectures should also be organized.
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May 19, 2015 01:10pm
Totally agree with Zohra Yousuf. Why do they have to drag religion into every thing. Haven't we suffered enough because of these mindless interventions!!
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May 19, 2015 01:41pm
I was present in the lecture and it was indeed very motivating. Tariq Jameel Sahib spoke very humbly and made us realise that this world is transient and temporal, then running after it and resorting to corruption for making life comfortable is absolutely, not justifiable-both by religious and secular standards. I plan to go for Dawat e Tabllegh shortly.
I hope FBR will keep on organising such lectures in the future.
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May 19, 2015 02:17pm
This was a good step, but I agree with Chairperson Zohra Yousuf at a great extent that it'd have been better if a skilled professional was invited and morality and ethics should be linked to Humanity rather than to specific Religion.
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May 19, 2015 02:25pm
We should welcome this step in each and every department.
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May 19, 2015 02:26pm
@AAR Because every solution is hidden in Islam (religion) if you contemplate over wholeheartedly!
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May 19, 2015 02:29pm
motivation should come from one ownself,, it is a strange move which is not appreciatable...
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May 19, 2015 02:31pm
maybe few lectures could be arranged for government main persons? like pm, ministers, secretaries and ministers. Why cant this Ulema preach to come to right path and don't misuse their authorities. They should be lectured on stop using state money as their own, they should be lectured on working for humanity, providing justice and stop money laundering.
But no, these men want only the nation to behave religiously and morally. They are above morals and religion.
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May 19, 2015 02:38pm
Strongly agree with Zohra Yusuf. I am not paying my tax money for arranging such lectures. Or vice versa FBR should arrange similar lectures from scholars from all religions.
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May 19, 2015 02:46pm
He should address the Parliament as well.
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May 19, 2015 02:48pm
Maulana Tariq Jamil is a wonderful orator and unlike most others, he focuses on ethics, love for all and accepts faulty people as friends. Good move
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May 19, 2015 02:54pm
Very good step. May be this way officers are reminded of what they should be doing as good human beings and good muslims. Shaid koi khof e khuda aajaey.
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May 19, 2015 03:05pm
totally agree with Ms. Yousuf. If this is the way to correct things, then lets outsource entire govt machinery to mullahs n their seminaries.
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May 19, 2015 04:01pm
I totally agree with the lady, religion should not be involved.
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May 19, 2015 04:01pm
I fully agree with zohra yousuf.
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May 19, 2015 04:13pm
@saif : Most of the systems in the world need trainings /lectures to impart key skill necessary to perform a job. It is good that FBR officers are reminded about integrity and honesty---necessary attributes for their jobs.
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May 19, 2015 04:17pm
@saif
We are an Islamic state... and Islam is our way to life for personal and social issues.... corruption is on its peak since the ppl are not morally and Islamically educated.... thanks to the education system of Pakistan....
Maulana Tariq Jamil Sb and other righteous Ulama are required to address ppl about the noble ways, ethics and morals of Islam... which should reflect on every way of our life
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May 19, 2015 04:27pm
This culture should be retained .
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May 19, 2015 04:41pm
@Ahmad You are perfectly right. I have recently started reading the history of the Muslim world. It truly way of life. Keep it up. It is a great asset for you.
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May 19, 2015 04:44pm
@Umair : can you please name the most corrupt and unethical countries in the world?
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May 19, 2015 04:49pm
@far I second you hear.
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May 19, 2015 04:57pm
Is it a Joke or reality.
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May 19, 2015 05:38pm
It is a very good step towards improving the ethical values in gov't functionaries. I would suggest that he should be invited to give lectures to judges, lawyers and police.
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May 19, 2015 05:53pm
The comments reads as follows: welcome step, good if it works, these officers are already very much motivated. Even some of them may be earning more than what is the salary of BPS 17 but they left their well paid (from commercial banks) jobs to the low salary govt. job because they are "motivated". Secondly, they are not child they already know what the religious scholars will say.
I was just thinking on the back of each Pakistani paper currency it is written "Hasool-e-Rizq-e-Halal ibadat hay" but who cares...
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May 19, 2015 05:56pm
Let me guess. One of the most corrupt departments in the country has now been reformed due to lecture from a noted scholar!!!
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May 19, 2015 05:57pm
Totally agree with Ms. Zohra Yousuf. Regardless of the eminence of Maulana Tariq Jameel, state institutions must refrain, in my view, from religious lecturing of employees. Yes, Islam is a way of life but individuals from multiple religious inclinations work for institutions like FBR and their beliefs need to be respected.
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May 19, 2015 06:10pm
Ms Zohra Yusuf recommends that "religion should not be introduced into state affairs". Does she forgets that Islam is the state religion in Pakistan. And mind it, this is in operational part of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan framed by no less a person than Mr Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and approved by the then Constituent Assembly unanimously.
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May 19, 2015 06:28pm
National and provincial assemblies of Pakistan, be the next in line.
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May 19, 2015 06:31pm
This kind of motivation is what's wrong with you people.
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May 19, 2015 06:38pm
Some one please tell Zohra that keeping state and religion away from each other creates politicians, scientific criminals, law evaders and it's the faith that keep humanity going.
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May 19, 2015 06:40pm
As if not enough damage has not already been done by dragging these molvis into the official business of the state.
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May 19, 2015 06:53pm
@PK Good suggestion. Let's do it!
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May 19, 2015 06:58pm
A honest officer wouldnot indulge in corruption even without such lectures but his household expenses ,children education and other corrupt practices will surely destroy his "Motivation".....Many of such officers remain honest n live without any innovation and motivation for the department.
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May 19, 2015 07:00pm
@far "I dont understand why people say that religion should not be involved " you are so naïve.
They had to speak on the tune of their bosses.
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May 19, 2015 07:01pm
Sister Zohra Yusuf should realize that we live in a "Islamic" state and that's the reason to involve Islam in every aspect of our lives
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May 19, 2015 07:01pm
@Farrukh Arshad I disagree with the "instead" part. Needed everywhere. Though I will give top priority to what you are suggesting.
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May 19, 2015 07:02pm
An excellent step. Such lectures are most needed for customs officials followed by our politicians.
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May 19, 2015 07:05pm
Honesty and integrity doesnot come only fr.om lectures, lets not forget that many actors of Muddarba scandal might have attended his lecture on weekly basis.
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May 19, 2015 07:59pm
Need is to bring transparency in the system
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May 19, 2015 08:15pm
Miss, Zohra Yusuf, everyone needs that motivation and inspiration in their lives. What's wrong with a religious scholar coming and talking to government officials, who knows that little talk may have changed someone's life around.
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May 19, 2015 08:50pm
We should welcome anybody who can inspire our public officials (politicians included) to stop stealing public's money/resources.
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May 19, 2015 08:58pm
Keep religion out of state matters; rulers have always hidden their incompetency and corruption behind religiosity. give them targets make them accountable
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May 19, 2015 08:58pm
Encourage nepotism. Hire incompetent people. Then invite religious clerics to inject honesty into them.
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May 19, 2015 09:09pm
@far: Exactly. And you guys are doing a phenomenal job at practice!
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May 19, 2015 09:13pm
a retrograde step. Make laws, correct the loopholes in the system, improve the system through human ingenuity, improvisation.
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May 19, 2015 10:04pm
@Saad S. I have attended his lecture in city hall in Northern california After the lecture he sat with attendies and spent 2 to 3hrs talking to them which was so affective many had teers in their eyes finding the realities of life . I think people should accept the fact that i am in dire need more than pointing fingers towards others, this attitude will help reform one's own character. I hope this lecture bring change in umma's life
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May 19, 2015 10:15pm
Excellent! that's the way to go. Include and not Exclude should be the way ahead. When we include all, everyone acts responsibly and not carelessly.
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May 19, 2015 10:18pm
I was impressed with over whelming response in favor of lecture. It shows how much they are sick and tired of the present system. We all need this awakening call not just govt. official we are part of this nation, we all are in dire need of the message and act upon it
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May 19, 2015 10:49pm
Good effort to call this magnificent personality. I will tell Zara that this country is made on the name of Islam .we don't need your advise. we are good people not corrupt people
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May 19, 2015 10:50pm
Professionals to lecture so that the customs officers would have sharpened their professional skills? Are they not sharpened already to the limit in their selfish greed?
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May 19, 2015 10:53pm
We need to get rid of corruption and inefficiency by building professional and ethical institutions not by preaching to them.
Keep religion out of bureaucracy. Haven't we had enough of it.
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May 19, 2015 11:19pm
@far Yes you should practice it as your way of life if you can practice it exactly and correctly, following every instruction dealing with real life matters of today rather than the matters and lifestyle that existed at the dawn of Islam. It's very easy to say yes we should and it's possible. Those of us who have been following as truthfully as possible and truly believe 100% are very few in number. Unfortunately, for many, many of us it has been a frustrating experience. We see our enemies, non-believers, etc. have been desecrating Islam and its followers for centuries. Ever since the tragic events in NYC Trade Centre the majority on planet Earth either hate us with passion or has resorted to policies that has made muslims the most lowest of the lowest race on Earth. That's the truth. Live with it. Good Luck.
Javs
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May 19, 2015 11:25pm
should have a lecture Nawaz Sharif's palace, it may be futile, should attempt though!
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May 19, 2015 11:31pm
Why did reporter ask HR Commission person only for the feedback? What is the relevance of asking them in matter of public management? What expertise do they offer to evaluate who should be invited for what affairs of government ?
Additionally, it might as well be clear from article that HR commission needs to broaden their thinking and increase their interaction with religious scholars who promote HR values in their own circles with greater influence than HR commission.
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May 20, 2015 12:57am
Should be done for MNAs and Federal Govt members as well
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May 20, 2015 01:04am
Religion is a private matter and has nothing to do with the State. If this is right then it is only fair that the State invites people of different religions to lecture on morality to government employees.
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May 20, 2015 02:39am
I went to a very famous university in usa, and at my graduation ceremony a preist was invited to give lecture on morality. I found that lecture very helpful even though I am a Muslim. So whats wrong with this?
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May 20, 2015 03:10am
"She said that morality and ethics should be linked to humanity and not to religion." MS Zohra Yusuf , if a religion is not linked to morality & ethics, then it is not a true religion. If Maulana can pursuade thos indulging in socially unacceptable behaviour, then he is a right man.
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May 20, 2015 06:08am
This prooves how inefficient, incompetent and corrupt FBR has become.
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May 20, 2015 10:22am
@Ahmad
NO, A country is not run on basis of religion. Islam can be a way of YOUR personal life but you cannot base a whole state on this ideology.
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May 20, 2015 10:45am
@Yankee Babu appreciate for sharing your experience.
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May 20, 2015 11:03am
Lectures can be organized by the state, but it can be done unofficially after working hours, and not in offices or auditoriums of the customs with attendance up to the wishes of those who wish to attend.
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May 20, 2015 11:03am
@Rashid Sultan do u know what % of Muslim is in Pakistan?
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May 20, 2015 02:59pm
ISLAM is a giving us full of Life Directions......... this kind of lectures will help to decrease the corruption from Custom Department at least.
Regards.
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