Syed Mussarat Khalil Saudi Gazette JEDDAH — Majlis-e-Iqbal, the sister organization of Aalami Urdu Markaz (AUM), held a meeting to commemorate the 67th death anniversary of Baba-e-Quom (Father of the Nation) Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and the 50th Defense Day of Pakistan at the residence of renowned social activist Syed Shehabuddin on Friday. Veteran community leader Aziz Ahmed presided over the gathering. In his speech he highlighted the different aspects of Quaid's life and paid homage to the martyrs and ‘ghazis' of the September 1965 war with India. Munawwar Hussain Bodlah, an active member of AUM, said the Quaid-e-Azam was a true Muslim. He was a man of sound character and he had an intense faith in God. Renowned humorist Urdu writer Mohammad Amanatullah read out his article in which he asked the Pakistan government to take measures in controlling corruption and the law and order situation rather than totally depending on the army. “Our army has great mission to protect the border and fight terrorism inside the country,” he said. Mussarat Khalil member of Pakistan Journalist Forum (PJF) said, the Quaid-e-Azam strongly advocated the creation of an Islamic state in order to maintain the separate identity of the Muslims of subcontinent. Hamid-ul-Islam, general secretary of AUM, praised the literally and cultural activities of Majlis-e-Iqbal. He said the aim of the majlis is to promote Urdu poetry, Quaid-e-Azam and Allama Iqbal's principles of democracy and social justices. Earlier the function started with the recitation of verses from the holy Qur'an by Qari Mohammed Asif. Naat was recited by Syed Mohsin Alavi. He also presented his poem on Quaid-e-Azam and Difa-e-Pakistan (Defense Day). Host Shehabuddin welcome all guest and conducted the proceedings. He also shed light on the Quaid's life and valor of Pak army. Distinguished guests and community members including Aamir Khurshid Rizvi, Farid Hassan and Sheikh Mohammed Luqman attended the function. At the end Qari Asif made supplication for Pakistan and Saudi Arabia's solidarity, integrity, peace and harmony.
