RIYADH — "The key to peace and progress for any nation lies in coexistence and tolerance in their societies," said Pakistan Ambassador Manzoor Ul Haq, chief guest, in his address at an event hosted by Pakistan Writers Club (PWC) to mark the 139th birth anniversary of father of the nation Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and the silver jubilee of PWC's founding. Manzoor Ul Haq and his wife Nighat Manzoor were chief guests. Noted businessman and a social worker – Shamshad Siddiqui was guest of honor. Haq lauded PWC for providing a platform through its Ladies Chapter for creative ladies to hone their literary and fine art skills. "We cannot leave aside women who comprise almost half of population of any nation. Women have a role to play and their talent and skills should be utilized," Haq said. He added: "It was true that if women were world leaders then probably there would not be any war." In this connection he cited history. "Egyptian Civilization was perhaps the most peaceful and progressive civilization. One reason was that it had involved women in leadership roles, in almost all spheres of life," Haq remarked. The event was ably conducted by General Secretary Ashiq Hussain and Convener of PWC-LC Ms. Farah Ehsan. Ehsan Abbasi – Secretary PWC Think-Tank, supported them. The event commenced with Qirat by VP Media Shahjahan Sherazi followed by Naat by senior member of PWC-LC Ms. Almas Mumtaz. The other items that followed were as follows. Video presentation on PWC history by Qundeel Aymen, poetry in eulogy of Quaid-e-Azam by Ambreen Faiz, a satire dialogue between Syed Nehal and H.M. Fayyaz – touching base on almost all issues concerning Pakistan and Pakistanis. It was followed with tableau and skits presented by small kids who were children of PWC-LC members. This item reflected on the leadership and character of Quaid-e-Azam. Nehal presented poetry work in eulogy of the Quaid. It was followed with speeches from Ehsan Abbasi and Prof. Gohar Rafiq, who enlightened all on the life of Quaid-e-Azam and historical perspective of Pakistan respectively. Members of Ladies Chapter presented a humorous and satirical skit, which was ably conducted by Madiha Malik and participated by Almas Mumtaz, Madiha Noman and Dr. Rabia Amer. Newly elected Convener of PWC-LC and her Cabinet took oath of office from Ambassador Haq. They were: Farah Ehsan – Convener, Madiha Malik – Deputy Convener, Dr. Rabia Amer – Finance Secretary, Almas Mumtaz – PRO, and Madiha Noman as Event Coordinator. Prior to the oath Faiz Al-Najdi presented a brief background towards his idea of founding of a Ladies Chapter in PWC. Guest of Honor Shamshad Siddiqui in his speech praised PWC and its leadership for presenting an entertaining event in remembrance of Quaid and celebration of silver jubilee of PWC. He praised the leadership of Quaid and lamented that following his death, unfortunately Pakistan did not have leaders of character of the Quaid. President Al-Najdi in his speech thanked Ambassador Haq and his officers and staff for their cooperation in facilitating the hosting of this event in the chancery hall of the embassy. He also thanked the audience for their attendance and finally thanked all members of PWC and its Ladies Chapter for working so very hard for the success of this event. Certificates of appreciations were awarded to all participating children. Memento shields were awarded to Bilqis Safder – owner of SHE beauty parlor, Naveed Ur Rehman – a trusted friend of PWC, Malik Nadeem Sher of Rose TV for his selfless services to the community. PWC members Sanobar Sani, Reem Al-Qureshi, Rauf Moghal and Shaheen Javed also received shields. Shamshad Siddiqui was also given a shield for his support and patronage of PWC. The event concluded with a session of light musical program.
