Waqar Naseem Wamiq

RIYADH — Bazm e Riaz, a literary and cultural organization of creative minds in the Saudi capital Riyadh, in collaboration with Pakistan Embassy organized a mega event to celebrate the 69th independence day of Pakistan. The event was attended by hundreds of Pakistanis here.



Chief Guest of the occasion Ambassador Manzour ul Haq, eminent scholar Prof Ghulam Sarwar Qureshi, Sen. Iqbal Zafar Jhagra, poetess Shahnaz Muzammil from Pakistan, renowned poet of Riyadh Javid Akhtar Javid and youngest female politician in UK of Pakistani origin were the keynote speakers.



Ambassador Manzour ul Haq congratulated all Pakistanis on the happy occasion of Pakistan’s Independence Day in his speech. “Let us talk about the happiness on this auspicious occasion of our Independence Day and let us talk about  self accountability to correct our selves,” he said.



“Our democratic journey is on the right track and we have achieved very fruitful results from the operation Zarb-e-Azab such the peace is prevailing in Pakistan,” Haq continued.



Eminent scholar Professor Ghulam Sarwar Qureshi relived his memories about the creation of Pakistan in his speech. “Today’s generation is unaware about the incidents and happenings that we had seen during the independence movement of Pakistan,” Qureshi said.



“Quaid-e-Azam had realized that Muslims will soon be free from the British but would yet be under a different yoke therefore he decided to work for a separate country for the Muslims of subcontinent,” Qureshi added.



Senior Politician and Sen. Iqbal Zafar Jhagra was very upbeat about Pakistan during his speech. “We will make every sacrifice to secure Pakistan, even if it requires the sacrifice of our lives. We will give up our lives in sacrifice for the sake of Pakistan,” Jhagra said.



Jhagra lauded the talented overseas Pakistanis around the globe and said he is always happy to see Pakistanis in key positions wherever he went around the world. “Overseas Pakistanis are our assets and we are really proud of them.” Jhagra added.



The youngest British politician of Pakistani origin Rabia Bhatti praised the first generation Pakistanis for their struggle to make a free homeland, “Pakistanis stands proud on this day as the green flag flies as a symbol of honor and achievement”.



“Pakistanis are creating news all over the world because of their talents and these are historical moments and I am standing in front of my fellow Pakistanis in a country which is neither my homeland nor my country of residence, it is all because of Pakistan,” Rabia added.



Prominent poetess Shahnaz Muzammil and Poet Javid Akhtar Javid took centerstage during the poetry session respectively and regaled their audience.



A short Q&A session was superbly carried out by Community Welfare Attaché Capt. (retd.) Hammad Abid.