[gallery size="medium" td_select_gallery_slide="slide" td_gallery_title_input="Bazm-e-Riaz marks first anniversary with pomp and pageantry" ids="68963,68961,68959,68960,68962"] Waqar Naseem Wamiq RIYADH — Bazm-e-Riaz marked its first anniversary at a function held at the International Equestrian School and Club in Riyadh recently. The event doubled as a grand farewell ceremony for Pakistan's Commercial Attaché Waseem Bajwa, Community Welfare Attaché Capt. (R) Syed Hammad Abid, Air and Naval Attaché Group Captain Ibrahim Asad and prominent writer Javid Akhter Javid. Pakistani Ambassador Manzoor Ul Haq and former Federal Minister Chaudhary Shahbaz Hussain were the chief guests on the occasion. The event was attended by a large number of people from all walks of life. The male and female guests included embassy officials, businessmen, prominent community members, representatives of various social and cultural organizations, intellectuals, writers, poets and media persons. Yousef Yaqoub Al Baitouni of Riyadh International Equestrian School and Club was the special guest. The program was presided by the Bazm's president Muhammed Riaz Rathore and ably conducted by chief coordinator Waqar Wamiq. Fawad Ali presented the group's mission and vision. Secretary-General of Bazm-e-Riaz Tasadduq Gilani presented a brief report on the activities during 2015-16. He elaborated on the organization's message of peace, harmony and respect for humanity and the nation. He emphasized the need for positive thinking in order to use the nation's potentials in rebuilding society and the country. A special equestrian show and guard of honor were presented by Bazm's executive member Sarhan Mustafa and his team of riders. Ambassador Haq praised the Bazm activities and congratulated them on their first anniversary. "We need to promote positivity in society. Bazm-e-Riaz carries a great vision of positivity and I congratulate them on their first anniversary. Within a very short span of time they became recognized in the community and I wish them to carry on with the same enthusiasm for years to come," Haq said. The ambassador also talked about the outgoing Pakistani diplomats. "I have experienced their impressive qualities and I believe they will continue to contribute further for the good of our beloved country. I wish them good luck," he said. Haq applauded Javid Akhter Javid for his literary contributions. Speaking on the occasion former Minister Shahbaz Hussain said: "We need to follow the teachings of the father of the nation Quaid-e-Azam Muhammed Ali Jinnah. It is high time we adhere to his teachings unity, integrity and discipline and I am truly happy to see the well-disciplined and united team of Bazm-e-Riaz having wonderful faith in positivity." He extended his best wishes to the outgoing embassy officials and writer Javid Akhter Javid. Other speakers included Bazm executive members Tanvir Mian and Hina Ambreen Tariq. Waseem Bajwa, Hammad Abid, Ibrahim Asad and Javid Akhter Javid delivered speeches replying to the felicitation. Bazm's President Rathore gave vote of thanks. Earlier the program began with the recitation of Holy Qur'an by Qari Abdul Salam Rasheed, who came from Makkah especially to attend the program. Bazm's senior executive member Dr. Saeed Ahmed Waince presented a soulful naat. A special plaque of appreciation was presented by Aziz Amin, director marketing of Friendi mobile, to Ambassador Haq. He also presented mementos to the outgoing diplomats, Akhter Javid, Convener of Bazm's Pak Chapter Rehan Akram, support providers Friendi and Riyadh Equestrian School. Ambassador Haq and Ex-Minister Shahbaz Hussain presented the shields. The program was supported by technological partner Knowledge Core and events partner Friendi mobile. Several volunteers headed by Zahid Rana, Asim Zafar, Team GEC and Team Vip also supported on the event. The celebrations concluded with a sumptuous dinner catered by Pak House Restaurant.
