RIYADH — The Indus Cultural and Social Forum (ICSF) bid a grand farewell to their outgoing founder president Asadullah Jhathial, who after more than 13 years in Saudi Arabia, is now moving to Australia. The farewell program was held at a local restaurant that was highly attended by people from all walks of life mainly from the Sindhi community.

The Pakistani Community Welfare Attaché Mahmood Latif was the chief guest on the occasion that was presided over by the ICSF President Zeeshan Qazi and ably conducted by Rasheed Ali Sarki.

The program formally began with the recitation of verses from the Holy Qur’an by Dr. Mustafa Kamal Memon followed by the welcome note by the ICSF President Zeeshan Qazi,

“We are so proud of our outgoing founder and former president Asadullah Jhathial for his efforts and concerns for the community. He served the community and ICSF with full dedication. His services will be remembered for long,” Qazi said.

Number of prominent speakers praised Jhathial for his outstanding services for the community. Those who spoke on the occasion included Baba-e-Riyadh Qazi Muhammad Ishaq Memon, Dr. Rajab Khawaja, Dr. Mansour Memon, Rasheed Arijo, Dr. Aurangzeb Halepoto, Hafiz Abdul Waheed, Rana Khalid Akram, Gulzaib Kiani, Ghulam Qadir Mallah and the chief guest CWA Mahmood Latif.

Speaking on the occasion, Jhathail said, “I am deeply honored and humbled by the love given by Indus Forum, Embassy of Pakistan, leaders of all parties, and honorable community members. After spending 13 years in Riyadh I am taking a lot of good memories with me, I am honored to meet and work with amazing people, I spent part of my life here and made lifetime friends,” Jathaial said.

He also recollected his working experience with the forum, “Working for Indus Forum was a privilege, leading it as president was a great honor I will treasure. ICSF is a unique forum that not only represented Sindhi community of Riyadh but has become a symbol of integration of all communities and cultures of Pakistan.

“I give credit to all officers at Embassy of Pakistan who have played a vital role helping Indus Forum to spread its core message of love, peace and integration with all communities.”

Jhathial ended his speech on a positive note, stating, “As I am moving to Australia, with belief that Diaspora of Pakistanis will play important role in betterment of our country, not only by financial remittances but skill development and bringing better ideas and creating new opportunities, we have to give back what we get,”

Jhathial was presented with a memento and the traditional Sindhi Ajrak in recognition of his remarkable services by the ICSF. The program ended with a vote of thanks by Habib Memon.