JEDDAH, 2 April 2007 — Several Pakistani organizations celebrated their National Day during the week by holding functions in Jeddah. The Aalmi Urdu Markaz, a body of expatriate Pakistanis, held a colorful function here on Saturday night to mark the day.
The function was presided over by Hamid Islam Khan and it paid tributes to Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, poet Allama Iqbal and other Muslim leaders of the subcontinent. They, along with others, adopted a resolution on March 23, 1940, in Lahore that spurred the freedom struggle of Muslims and culminated in the creation of Pakistan. Consul General Masood Akhtar was the chief guest.
Another function organized by the Pakistan Journalists Forum (PJF) during the weekend drew a huge crowd. Consul General Akhtar, also the chief guest at the function, said Pakistani organizations should hold such functions so that the new generation could learn about the sacrifices made by their forefathers for the creation of Pakistan. “We should work together to build a prosperous Pakistan,” he said.
General Secretary of PJF Jameel Rathore, who conducted the program, thanked the sponsors of the program who included Binzagr Coro, Star Market and Tamimi Group.
Chairman of the PJF Amir Mohammad Khan said the forum intended to organize more community programs and would need the support of the community in order to implement its plans.
PJF President Shahid Naeem said one of the objectives of the forum was to organize such programs for the members of the community. “We should hold such functions to demonstrate our unity and patriotism,” he added. Students of the Biladi International School sang songs and presented tableaux. A speech by a UKG student of the school, Dua Fatima, drew huge applause. The participants were asked questions and given gifts when they answered correctly. The Press Consul at the Pakistan Consulate General Mohammad Jamil and the Director of Haj at the Pakistan Mission Bahrullah Hazarvi were also present.
