Masood Khan, Pakistan’s ambassador to the United States (US), was awarded the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Legacy Award for Diplomacy and International Service, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Tuesday.

The award was conferred on him in recognition of his leadership skills, commitment and services on the occasion of 31st International Salute to the Life and Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

The event was organised by the Institute for the Advancement of Multicultural and Minority Medicine.

Over 150 dignitaries including US senators, legislators, diplomats, business figures, community leaders and academics attended the event.

On the occasion, Masood Khan was also nominated as the Honorary Chairman of Martin Luther King International Salute.

During the current year, other people were also conferred the Martin Luther King Legacy Award.

The ambassador of Pakistan thanked the Institute for the Advancement of Multicultural and Minority Medicine for conferring the award on him.

“It is a great honour to be associated with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s iconic figure and his mission,” he said.

“To honour me is to honour Pakistan and the people of Pakistan,” he added.

“Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy provides a model for fighting inequality, discrimination, unjust wars and usurpation,” he pointed out.

“By associating diplomats with Salute, the organisation has reached out to all nations and their people,” he stated.

Earlier, in his speech as Chairman, Ambassador of Pakistan Masood Khan paid a glowing tribute to the great American leader.

“Dr. Martin Luther King was a brave leader who, throughout his life, fought oppression and injustice for diversity and human dignity,” he had said.

“Dr. Martin Luther King’s legacy can be summed up as freedom, equality, and equal justice for all,” he had added.

Reporter: Mohsin-ul-Mulk