RIYADH — Pakistan Thinkers Forum (PTF) Riyadh organized a literary event, in honor of renowned Urdu poet, educationist and drama writer Amjad Islam Amjad. Pakistan Ambassador Manzoor Ul Haq and Amjad Islam Amjad were the chief guests on the occasion. The event was presided by Khalid Rana, President of PTF. Representatives of several literary and social organizations, including notable Pakistani community members attended the event. Younas Abu Ghalib, Vice President PTF, conducted the program. Earlier, the event formally began with the recitation of some verses of the Holy Qur'an by Fayaz Ali Khan, President PPP Riyadh Region. In his welcome note, Mubashar Anwar, Senior Vice President, highly praised the literary works of Amjad Islam Amjad. "Amjad is currently one of the best known Urdu poets of our era. His poems mirror the voices of common peoples. He is simply a man of letters with a numbers of famous books, and his columns are in demand and his superhit dramas have reflected the versatility of this great personality," Mubashar said. PTF's General Secretary Waseem Sajid praised Amjad for his remarkable contribution in development of Urdu literature and education sector. Khalid Rana requested Amjad to share his thoughts on reaction of poets, statesmen, intellectuals and educationists during late 1970s and 80s when Pakistan's new narrative was being developed to support fundamentalist elements to provide raw materials for Afghan war and why they were not able to resist and build counter narrative Amjad talked on this issue and supported his point of view with references from history. He pointed out historically All India Muslim League was formed as reformist organization instead of political party and real politics and literature never existed in Pakistan and maximum it can be described as "agitating and protesting politics and literature". Amjad also shared his point of view on poetry and literature. He pointed that Urdu needs a comprehensive means of promotion in today's modern times. "What one has imagined 100 years ago is now happening in reality. The world is totally changed and so the mode of writing and reading are changed. Now, anyone can simply post his creation on social media and get attention without having any references of magazine editors," Amjad said. Amjad was delighted to have all political and social organizations in the program and he thanked everyone for their presence. "Today's event of Pakistan Thinker's Forum is one of the most beautiful one in a series of ongoing programs during my Riyadh trip," he added. Rana applauded the efforts of Ambassador Manzoor ul Haq for promoting the soft image of Pakistan. "I congratulate the ambassador on the successful completion of the first year of his ongoing tenure, and during this short span of time he has ably managed to boost the Pak-Saudi relations and successfully highlighted the soft image of Pakistan by hosting a variety of cultural and literary programs at the embassy," Rana said. Ambassador Haq showed his great appreciation for PTF for conducting such an intellectual event and hoped that they will continue their efforts in the promotion of intellectual thought process. Tahir Rao, Secretary Information PPP Riyadh Region, presented a bouquet and Abu Ghalib presented a gift as token of appreciation to Amjad. On this occasion, Amjad also presented his book to Rana.
