RIYADH — Halqa e Fikr O Funn (HFF), one of the leading literary groups here, has done many important quality programs and I felt lucky to attend such events during my tenure. I hope Halqa e Fikr O Funn will continue to serve the literary circles with the same vigor," said outgoing Pakistani Ambassador Manzoor ul Haq in his farewell speech. Farewell HFF held a farewell ceremony in the honor of outgoing Manzoor ul Haq and his family at the Globe of Alfaisaliah Tower. Sameera Aziz and Bilquis Safdar also attended the ceremony. Dr. Riaz Chaudhary, president HFF, presided over the event, while chief coordinator Dr. Tariq Aziz conducted the ceremony with the support of Abid Shamoon Chand and Wamiq. The program formally commenced with the recitation of some verses of Noble Qur'an by Dr. Mahmoud Ahmed Bajwa followed by a beautiful presentation of a soulful Naat by Dr. Saeed Ahmed Waince. The outgoing envoy also shared some wonderful memories of his tenure, "It was an eventful tenure," he said, adding, "Pakistan and Saudi Arabia shares immense goodwill in their brotherly relations. The Pakistani community in Saudi Arabia is very supportive and are an asset of the nation." Dr. Tariq expressed his deep gratitude to the outgoing ambassador, adding, "The Pakistani community experienced a well cultured and sophisticated ambassador, his love for poetry, art and the literature is an added facet to his extraordinary bureaucratic skills and his efforts for the community will be remembered for long." Chaudhary thanked the guests and applauded the efforts of the ambassador. He said "We remain thankful to the ambassador for being kind to us, during his tenure allowing the literary circles to grow. Especially during his tenure, Halqa Fikr O Funn commenced Qasmi's century and celebrated the 100th birth anniversary of legendary writer Ahmed Nadeem Qasmi at the embassy. On many occasions we have held programs on Allama Iqbal." Deputy secretary general of HFF Dr. Hina Ambreen and prolific scholar Prof. Maimoona Malik also spoke on the occasion and highly commended the affection the ambassador had for the Pakistani community and appreciated his attachment to the literature and culture. Wamiq and Dr. Hina paid rich tributes in their poetry presentations to the outgoing ambassador. HFF presented a gift of books to the ambassador. Prominent businesswoman Erum Amir presented some memorable gifts to the ambassador's wife Nighat Manzoor and their daughter Saba Manzoor. A special farewell cake, arranged by Globe, was cut on the occasion. The farewell ceremony ended with goodwill prayers and best wishes for the outgoing ambassador.
