RIYADH — "Pakistan is faced with energy crisis and the Pakistani government was mindful of the problem and was working very hard to solve it, Pakistan Ambassador Manzoor Ul Haq said, while appreciating Pakistan Writers Club (PWC) effort in founding a Think-Tank and hosting a useful talk on energy issue. He was speaking as chief guest on the occasion. Noted energy expert and columnist Syed Rashid Husain was the keynote speaker. He appreciated the keynote speaker Syed Rashid Husain for a very informative and educating lecture. "Such informative lectures are very educative and should be hosted regularly," he added. PWC President Faiz Al-Najdi presided over the event, whereas, Asghar Qureshi of Pakistan Investors Forum and Chairman of Bright Future International School, Qasim Al Qureshi were the guests of honor. General Secretary Ashiq Hussain, Convener of PWC-LC Ms. Farah Ehsan and Secretary PWC Think-Tank Ehsan Abbasi conducted the event, which commenced with the recitation of verses from the Holy Qur'an by Zubair Bhatti and Naat was rendered by Ms. Almas Mumtaz. Al-Najdi briefed all on the reason for founding the Think-Tank. "There were many intellectuals among Pakistanis in Saudi Arabia who could help solve the various problems faced by the nation. We should tap their ideas via events under Think-Tank and then compile them to be sent to the government via Pakistan missions," Al-Najdi said, adding, that it would be a great service if any of the ideas floated by Think-Thank would reach the corridors of power and be implemented. Husain in his incisive presentation dwelt upon the energy issues and the global crisis in particular. He informed that like coal, petrol would not end but the era of petrol would soon come to an end. He also informed that petrol prices in the international market was not set or controlled by OPEC. Husain entertained questions and responded to each one of them in detail. The question-answer session was a very absorbing one as there was an excitement among the audience to ask questions and get educated on the issue per se. The question-answer session was moderated by Abbasi and Madiha Malik – deputy convener PWC-LC. Dr. Rabia Amer and Mehwish Qureshi presented a droll and satirical dialogue on energy that won applause from the audience. Guest of honor Asghar Qureshi, in his speech, appreciated PWC and its Ladies Chapter for hosting such a meaningful talk. Qasim Al-Qureshi, chairman of Bright Future International School, in his speech spoke very high of PWC. "Our cooperation with PWC shall continue at all levels, "Qureshi assured. Al-Najdi thanked Ambassador Haq and his officers for attending the event. He thanked Husain for delivering such an informative speech, while thanking all members of PWC and its Ladies Chapter for their hard work in making this event a memorable one and a great success. Al-Najdi and Al-Qureshi also signed a MOU for future cooperation between the two groups. Memento shields were presented to Ambassador's wife Ms. Nighat Manzoor Sahiba for her humanitarian care-n-concern especially for her initiative in raising funds for relief work for the flood affected people in Pakistan. Shields were also awarded to Syed Rashid Husain, Asghar Qureshi, Qasim Al-Qureshi and Ali Aqeel. The members of PWC and PWC-LC who received shields were: Aymen Zaheer (PRO PWC), Madiha Noman (PWC-LC Event Coordinator), Dr. Rabia Amer - Secretary Finance PWC-LC and senior members Mehwish Qureshi and Reem Al-Qureshi.
