By Aymen Zaheer

RIYADH — The Pakistan Writers Club-Riyadh (PWC) and its Ladies Chapter (PWC-LC) in collaboration with Embassy of Pakistan hosted a grand event at the Chancery Hall of Embassy of Pakistan here to celebrate the 142nd birth anniversary of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah — the Father of the Nation.

The event was presided over by PWC President Eng. Abdul Rauf Mughal. Sardar Muhammad Khattak (political counselor. Pakistan Embassy) was the chief guest representing Pakistan Ambassador Khan Hasham bin Saddique. It was attended by a number of poets, literary persons, embassy officials and a large section of the local Pakistani community.

Speaking on the occasion, Khattak thanked PWC and its Ladies Chapter for hosting the event to commemorate the nation’s founder. He said, Jinnah was a great idealist and an enterprising leader who worked hard for the creation of Pakistan.

“The living nation never forgets its legendary heroes, and Jinnah was the one who will always be remembered by each and every Pakistani. Every Pakistani is the ambassador of the nation,” Khattak added.

Khattak lauded the performance of children who displayed the impact of their loyalty. Their display evoked in everyone in the hall the realization that every morning they ought to wake up to follow a Jinnah’s vision for Pakistan.

The event was kicked-off by Head of Chancery (HOC) Saifullah Khan, who remarked that Jinnah was a man of principles and very much dedicated towards the interest of the Muslims of the sub-continent at large.

PWC General Secretary Ashiq Hussain, Deputy General Secretary Aymen Zaheer and Convener of PWC-LC Ms. Madiha Malik conducted the event.

The event commenced with Qira’at by Qari Naimatullah and followed by melodious Naat by Ms. Tahira Kashif — member of PWC-LC. Then the Pakistani national anthem was played.

The other items that followed were as follows. Dua for APS (Army Public School) Kids, PWC Introduction/History by Hussain, comparison between Quaid and Gandhi by Fayyaz Malik — senior member of PWC.

There were good poetries on Jinnah by Yousef Ali Yousef (newly joined member of PWC) and Shahnaz Akhtar Qureshi, and an interactive book reading by Madiha Malik — she read some passages from the book ‘My Brother’ by Fatima Jinnah.

The students of Pakistan International School Riyadh (PISR) – delivered enthralling speeches and sung patriotic songs. Omar Abbasi, Ahmed Abbasi and Mohammad Saad were to the fore.

A brief presentation by keynote speaker – Prof. Javed Iqbal — who emphasized upon the fact that the creation of Pakistan was “preordained”, and Jinnah was a gifted man, who was bestowed with such qualities to obtain the degree of barrister from Lincoln’s Inn.

A stunning tableau presented by a bunch of small kids, children of PWC-LC members, received huge applause from the audience. It focused on the charismatic leadership of Jinnah. Members of Ladies Chapter presented a humorous and satirical skit, contributed by Qundeel Aymen, Shumaila Malik and Tahira Kashif. It also won appreciation from the audience.

The event also marked a farewell to H M Fayyaz — senior vice president coordination of PWC — whose association with PWC and his length of service in the Kingdom spanned over three decades or so. Members of PWC and PWC-LC spoke highly about him and praised him for his untiring services for PWC.

Fayyaz, in his speech, thanked PWC and PWC-LC Cabinet for presenting a remarkable event in reminiscence of Jinnah. He admired his close and friendly relation with PWC, and also shared some glimpses of his memories with PWC during his stay here.

President Eng. Abdul Rauf Mughal, in his address, acknowledged Pakistan diplomat Khattak and his staff for their cooperation in facilitating the hosting of this event in the Chancery Hall of the embassy.

He also praised Fayyaz, and appreciated him for being a seniormost member of PWC and that PWC would never forget his commendable services to the club. He also thanked the audience for their attendance and finally thanked all members of PWC and its Ladies Chapter for their time and efforts towards making the event successful.

In the end certificates of appreciations were awarded to all participating children of PISR, kids and lady members of LC for performing the tableau and skit. Memento shield was also awarded to Fayyaz.

The event concluded on a happy noted with a segment of musical program that included patriotic songs and modern numbers in Urdu — presented by an emerging singer Omer Khalid.