JEDDAH – Tahsimul Haq Haqqi, outgoing welfare consul at Pakistan's Consulate General in Jeddah, said he was leaving the Kingdom with fond memories. "The Bride of the Red Sea has left everlasting imprints on my mind and soul. I am leaving the city with fond memories. My stay in this country of the two holy mosques has enriched my soul with divine blessings," said Haqqi while addressing a farewell dinner at Lasani Restaurant Sunday night. "I am very happy to admit that as the welfare consul of Pakistan I received cooperation from the Indian Consulate in Jeddah. And we reciprocated when they sought out help in matters concerned with our section. The Pakistani and Indian communities in Jeddah have friendly relationships. This is quite visible at literary meetings, Mushairahs and other cultural gatherings," Haqqi said. "Here in the Kingdom we follow the rules of the host country with deep respect and get help from the concerned officials. I am thankful to all," he added. "Najibullah, a young, energetic and suave gentleman, is taking charge from me. I hope our community would cooperate with him the same way it had lent valuable support to me," Haqqi said. Najibullah assured the consulate's support to all members of the community. "I have preferred Saudi Arabia over European countries and America for my foreign service. Here I can help a large number of my countrymen. This had been my urge. I need your support in this regard. I pray to Allah for strength to serve you." Remembering Haqqi's grandfather Shanul Haq Haqqi, acclaimed poet and educationist Khurshid Rizvi, who is presently in the Kingdom, said, "I know Haqqi's grandfather, a man of letters with a multifaceted personality. Tahsim has inherited some of the great qualities of his famous grandfather." A worthy bureaucrat with a warm heart, Haqqi had been accessible to big and small alike during his tenure in Jeddah, Rizvi said. "Since I have known him, I found him always cooperative and helpful to people. He never declined to take a call from people in distress, even if it was 3 a.m.," said Abu Bakr Memon, a famous socialite. Mohsin Alawi and Athar Abbasi recited some couplets praising Haqqi. Ismen khushboo hai zuban ki, to watan ki tahseen Urdu Markaz ka yeh guldasta bhi ghar le jaao (This contains fragrance of our language and the tribute to our Motherland Take this Aalami Urdu Markaz bouquet of the flowers to home). The audience received the lines by Abbasi with applause. Master of the event Hamid Islam Khan, while proposing the vote of thanks, shed some light on Haqqi's family. Aalami Urdu Markaz Jeddah organized the farewell dinner for Haqqi, who was presented with a memento. The speakers on the occasion lavished praise and affection on him. Haqqi thanked Aalami Urdu Markaz officials, poets, journalists and other dignitaries present on the occasion.
