RIYADH — Pakistani Ambassador Manzoor Ul Haq said that tolerance and the spirit of peaceful co-existence remained our hallmark for centuries and would return to our lands eventually. He was speaking as Chief Guest at a National Day celebration hosted by Pakistan Culture Group (aka: PCG) – a social & welfare organization in Riyadh. “Ours was a beautiful country with peace & tranquility everywhere. We were tolerant to each other's view points and people of all sects, political leanings and cast & creed lived peacefully. However, it is unfortunate to see intolerance creeping in our society during the recent past, “Haq remarked. He also added that this was a passing phase and our lands would see the return of the golden era of tolerance and peaceful co-existence all over again.
Haq was all praise for PCG for hosting this event by inviting writers & poets from Pakistan. He made especial mention in appreciation about PCG's social & welfare activities. “I am especially very impressed with the philanthropy aspect of their activities wherein they have been very forthcoming in extending help to those parents and their wards that are not able to pay the School Tuition fees, “Haq mentioned. Addressing the affluent ones from the Pakistanis living in Saudi Arabia, he appealed them to invest in Pakistan. “Conditions in Pakistan now are conducive & friendly for investment. I think you should consider launching projects and investing in Pakistan also,”Haq appealed.
General Secretary of PCG Zafarullah Khan ably moderated the proceedings. In a brief note he mentioned that PCG since its inception some 30 years ago has been hosting events marking Pakistan's National Day (23rd March) and Independence Day -14th August. “Traditionally, we have been inviting Pakistani men of letters, intellectuals, writers, poets, thinkers and scientists to allow the Pakistani community a one-on-one interaction with them and learn from their thoughts & experiences.
Dr. Riaz Javed Khawaja - PCG Chairman - welcomed and thanked all for their participation and attendance.
Guest speaker from Pakistan Ata Ul Haq Qasmi - a well-known writer, columnist and a poet – entertained with his satirical expressions. Qasmi - known for his satirical writings - has authored several books that are read by young and old alike. In his talk Qasmi was full of satire that kept the audience amused and absorbed through out. He touched base on the dichotomy that existed today in the Pakistani society. “In Pakistan today if you telephone anybody then by and large you would get to hear the Quranic verses or Hadith as ring tones. Being religious is one thing and being better person is another, “Qasmi quipped. He was heavily critical of those elements who practiced loud religiosity. He described this as a show-off and a hypocritical practice. Qasmi also narrated satirical texts from several of his published books that kept the audience amused and enthralled.
Guest speaker from Pakistan Aneeq Ahmed – a host of morning show “Payam-e-Subh” aired by Dunya TV- touched base on the rudiments of teachings of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) especially about his intellect in the running of the affairs of the first Islamic State that he had founded in Madinah. Aneeq also laid emphasis on the importance of acquiring knowledge and embracing new technologies. “West today has an edge over others – in all fields – and is due to the fact that they have advanced themselves in terms of science & technology,”Aneeq opined.
After these intellectual discourses, PCG also arranged for a mini Mushaira (poetry recitation session) which was ably conducted by Shamshad Siddiqui – Social Event Coordinator of PCG. The poets who participated included: Ata Ul Haq Qasmi, Uzair Ahmed, Mohsin Changezi – all of them were especially invited from Pakistan. Locally resident poets included: Shaukat Jamal, Ghulam Fareed Bhutta, Javed Akhter Javed, Waqar Nasim Wamiq, and Saleem Kavish. Men and women in the audience were regaled with some of the finest poetry quatrains presented.
