PESHAWAR, June 5: Speakers at a gathering held on 16th death anniversary of Ayetullah Roohullah Imam Khomeini at the Iranian Cultural Centre Peshawar paid the late leader rich tributes for his leading role in the Islamic revolution in Iran.

They said the Imam rid his nation of ideological, political and economic hold of imperialism which had been a protector of dictators and monarchs all over the world. Despite US’s support to the Shah of Iran the people toppled his autocratic rule, they added.

Mohammad Hasan Emani, consul general of Jamhoori Islami Iran, Dr Dost Mohammad of the Sheikh Zaid Islamic Institute, Peshawar, Prof Khatir Ghaznvi and Syed Jawad Hadi discussed in detail deeds and teachings of the Imam and impact of his struggle in the region. Dr Dost Mohammad criticised ulema who had issued an edict against suicide attacks and termed it an anti-Jihad move by the US. He alleged that dictators in Pakistan had turned it into a US colony. He said Imam Khomeini had infused a revolutionary spirit into his nation, which brought in a popular revolution in Iran.

Allama Jawad Hadi said: “Those who have fear of God do not care any super-power, including America. The faith is the biggest power which gives a Muslim courage to confront imperialism”. He said the Imam had also advised the Muslim Ummah to shun their sectarian differences and forge unity against Satan. According to the Imam, Syed Hadi said, Muslim were faced with problems in Middle East owing to their internal differences.

Consul General Hasan Emani said his country would continue its journey on the path set by the late Imam in 1979. The people of Iran had made greater achievements despite opposition of the US and its allies. Later a movie on the life of Imam Khomeini was also screened.