KARACHI, May 22: The Dialogue For Development Forum (DDF), an alliance of civil society organizations, in harmony with other nations of the world, observed the International Candle Light Memorial – 2007, at the Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi, to express solidarity with victims of Aids and sympathise with those affected by the disease. The objective of observing the memorial is to raise awareness of the disease.

According to organisers, candlelight is much more than a memorial. “It is an opportunity to educate people on prevention, care and treatment of HIV/Aids.”

The memorial started with the lighting of candles by clerics from different religions which was followed by a prayer for eternal peace of the victims of Aids and to save the humanity from this dangerous disease.

Abdul Rahim Moosvi, coordinator, International Aids Candle Light Memorial, Dr Arshad Mahmood, Nafees Ahmed Khan, Rana Asif, Abdul Latif, Shahzad Aftab, Nazoo Pirzada, Brother Khushi Lal and Sabiha Shah were among those who spoke on the occasion.

They emphasised the need for launching anti-Aids programmes at the grass-roots level and urged the governmental and non-governmental organisations to chalk out campaigns to raise the level of awareness about preventive measures and treatment of Aids.