By Aymen Zaheer
RIYADH — Faiz Al-Najdi and Ambreen Faiz, under the banner of Pakistan Writers Club (PWC) and its Ladies Chapter, hosted a farewell dinner reception in the honor of PWC senior member Syed Khawaja Nehal Uddin (vice president program design) in the Recreation Hall of Riyadh Care Hospital. Nehal Uddin is due to leave on final exit upon attainment of superannuation.
Pakistani Ambassador Manzoor Ul Haq and his wife Nighat Manzoor were the chief guests on the occasion.
The farewell event was ably conducted by the senior members of PWC Ladies Chapter Asma Tariq and Madiha Noman.
The event kicked-off with the recitation of verses from the Holy Qur’an by Shumaila Malik and Naat rendition by Almas Mumtaz — both senior members of PWC-LC.
Faiz Al-Najdi highlighted the objective of the event. He lauded his age-old friendship with Nehal Uddin and painted many aspects of the latter’s personality. He also appreciated his praiseworthy services for PWC and remarked that PWC would be poorer without him.
PWC President Abdul Rauf Mughal described Nehal as a gentleman. He appreciated his selfless services to PWC and mentioned that his loyalty towards the club could never be challenged.
Ashiq Hussain, former general secretary, said, Nehal will always be remembered especially for his popular dialogue writing. Ehsan Abbasi, general secretary, said that Nehal was a beacon of knowledge and he had learned a lot from him. H. M. Fayyaz, VP coordination, remarked that Nehal was a nice fellow and would miss him a lot especially for the reason that he was his partner in the popular PWC segment of Mukalma. Fayyaz Malik, senior member, said that it’s very easy to say welcome, but, it’s very hard to bid farewell to such a nice person.
Aymen Zaheer, deputy general secretary and PRO, praised Nehal for utilizing the power of the pen in a constructive way, and for the manifestation of his feelings. Shah Jehan Sherazi, VP media, praised Nehal and said he was very diligent and devoted to the interest of the club. Zubair Bhatti, VP Finance, humorously added that when Nehal came to the Kingdom, he was “Nau-Nehal”, but now he has transformed to “Nehal”. Naveed Ur Rehman, a senior member of PWC, said Nehal was down to earth and was a useful member of our team.
Farah Ehsan, convener of Ladies Chapter, extended warm wishes and mentioned that the gap left by him would never be filled. Madiha Malik, deputy convener, said that by the courtesy of virtual world, PWC & LC would be able to stay connected with him. Shumaila Maik expressed her feelings by reciting some verses dedicated to him. Asma Tariq remarked that Nehal was a kind person. Madiha Noman expressed her sadness about the departure of a lively and literary person.
Qundeel Aymen said that he was one of the wittiest persons in PWC and his sense of humor was matchless. Almas Mumtaz spoke very high about Nehal. Ambreen Faiz added that he was a multitalented person and extended best wishes to him. Dr. Farah Nadia also spoke very high of him.
Nehal took the opportunity to narrate some of the anecdotes of his childhood friend Faiz Al-Najdi. He also thanked all for the kind words. “It has been proud to be a part of PWC family and I have tried my best to give the best of myself. I will miss this club,” Nehal added.
Earlier a painting of flowers & petals on a canvas, painted by all, was finally presented to Nehal.
Ambassador Manzoor Ul Haq said the event was a good gesture that was bestowed to one of PWC’s senior members. “Modern technology can help Nehal stay in touch with the club, and we would also love to read his poetry and literary works – if he shares it with us.”
The event concluded with enchanting melodies from an invited singer Shahana Choudhry and her band including Babul and Muneer Bhai. Hameed Rizvi also sang few popular numbers and received appreciations.
