FOR me at least New Zealand’s Jacinda Ardern was an unknown name until the morning of March 15. Thereafter, this name has won the hearts of millions of Muslims not only in New Zealand but across the globe.

This lady — by her words and her deeds — has proven to the world that where hatred, racism and extremism thrive there is a beacon of tolerance of love and hope.

The subsequent days have further proved to the world that Ms Ardern is a person to be proud of. Be it her meetings with the families of the victims or press conferences or address to the parliament, she has proven herself to be a human being par excellence. The support extended by the people of New Zealand to the families of the victims is commendable.

As a nation they have denounced this act of terrorism and as Pakistanis and Muslims we appreciate this gesture.

New Zealanders are indeed lucky to have a leader like her.

Dr Sabeeh Jaffery
Karachi

(2)

THERE are no words to express my feelings and gratitude to New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern who steadfastly has stood with the Muslim community in New Zealand in their hour of sorrow and grief.

The world has seen the prime minister’s reaction to the tragedy and how she has gone the extra mile to comfort the Muslims in New Zealand. Her government is also making gun laws stricter and taking steps to ensure such an act is never ever repeated. The NZ people have stood as one with the bereaved Muslims.

May God bless her to do even more for her country.

Prof Nusrat Qureshi
Karachi

(3)

PRIME Minister Jacinda Ardern deserves praise for humane and sensible handling of things in the aftermath of the Christchurch mosques massacre.

The prime minister visiting the bereaved Muslims wearing a dupatta to condole with the Muslim community and her stringent condemnation and rebuke of the Australian terrorist in stern words give a clear message. The West needs more such leaders.

M. Fahad Saleem
Faisalabad

Published in Dawn, March 22nd, 2019