RIYADH — A leading literary, social and cultural organization Bam-e-Ritz bid farewell to the Pakistani Military & Defense Attaché to Saudi Arabia Brig. Tahir Gulag Malik. Brig. Tahir is returning to Pakistan on completion of his three years tenure in Saudi Arabia. The farewell ceremony was held at the International Equestrian Club in Riyadh and attended by scores of Pakistani community heads, representatives of Pakistani armed forces and embassy officials. Tasaduq Gilani conducted the ceremony, Riaz Rathore presided over the occasion. It began with the recitation and translation of some verses of the Holy Qur'an by Dr. Mahmoud Bajwa followed by a naat by Dr. Saeed Waince. Tanveer Mian presented the welcome note and said, "Bazm-e-Riaz would like to pay sincere gratitude to Brig. Tahir for his valuable contribution to our country and countrymen, and we feel great honor to welcome him." A contingent of Bazm-e-Riaz riders led by Sarhan Mustafa, in this ceremonial regalia, and his team paid a salute to the honorable guest and provided a guard of honor to Brig. Tahir. Yousef Yaqoub Al Baitouni, owner of the International Equestrian School & Club, warmly welcomed the distinguished guests to his facility. "I am so happy with my Pakistani brethren, and I am so proud of Pak-Saudi friendship," he said. Dr. Asif Qureshi, a senior scholar, highly praised the services of Brig. Tahir in his speech. "We expatriate Pakistanis in Saudi Arabia are proud to have such a remarkable defense attaché, his services and professionalism will be remembered for long, he has served with the outstanding dedication. "On numerous occasions, I have experienced his impressive leadership qualities and his great love and affection for Pakistan. I believe he will continue to contribute further for our beloved country, I wish him good luck." Javid Akhter Javid and Waqar Naseem Wamiq regaled the audience with their poetry and paid rich poetic tribute to Brig. Tahir. "He is like a shadow of a tree in the desert, He is the pride of our nation," a translation of a Urdu couplet from Wamiq's tribute to Brig. Tahir. Adil Mehmood entertained the audience with some fabulous act of his artistry and got a huge round of applause. Dr. Saeed Waince mesmerized the audience with his melodious presentation of Mian Muhammad Baksh's poetry whereas Tanvir Mian presented a famous national song. Tasaduq Gilani, Bazm's secretary general, appreciated the contributions of Brig. Tahir. "At this farewell we are celebrating a tremendous tenure of an excellent officer," he said. Gilani, further saluted the armed forces of Pakistan for their great valor and sacrifices in the ongoing operation Zarb-e-Azb against the terrorists. In his address to the community Brig. Tahir showed his great respect for the host country. "Pak-Saudi relations can be symbolized as the two hands joined together in a bond of true friendship, our relations are at its best." Brig. Tahir praised the services of Bazm-e-Riaz. "In a very short span of time Bazm has become the talk of the town, their team consists of highly talented people with a great vision and I congratulate the people behind Bazm's creation and extend my best wishes to Bazm," he said. "I am so blessed and believe that I have been Chosen by the Almighty to serve my country at this holy land. I did my part to boost Pak-Saudi relations," he added. "My perception about the Pakistani expatriate community has changed as I interacted with them during my tenure, and I came to know about their struggle, hard work and priceless love for the country," he said.. continued. Bazm-e-Riaz awarded Brig. Tahir with an award, Anees Malik presented him a traditional gift of Sindhi Ajrak (Shawl). Senior executive member of Bazm-e-Riaz Syed Muhammad Emran awarded Bazm's chief coordinator Wamiq and President Rathore for their valuable services. In his vote of thanks Rathore paid tribute to Brig. Tahir. "His presence is an honor for us, He is our hero in many ways, his commitment to his job is excellent and we are proud on such a great Pakistani office," he said. Rathore further extended his thanks to the guests. "I am truly delighted to have all of you here, your participation at this farewell event made it a memorable one," he added.
