JEDDAH, 14 November 2003 — The Pakistan Repatriation Council organized a ceremony recently to mark the birthday of eminent poet Allama Iqbal. Paying tribute to Iqbal, speakers called for the creation of a body to carry out research on the poet’s work.
Dr. Khaled Batarfi, a columnist and managing editor of the Arabic daily Al-Madinah, said if we adhered to the teachings of our founders — the late King Abdul Aziz, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Allama Iqbal and others — we could unite and present to the world the real Islam which advocates peace and tolerance. He said Muslim countries should assist Pakistan to resolve the issue of the Pakistanis who have been stranded in Bangladesh since 1972. Another speaker, Ashfaque Mazhar, said Iqbal’s poetry had much to say to Muslims and his messages could solve problems confronting the Ummah.
Farhan Siddiqui of the Muslim Welfare and Development Organization (MWDO) highlighted the activities of his organization, which works in Bangladesh to alleviate the suffering of those stranded there. MWDO helps needy and destitute stranded Pakistani families living in camps in Bangladesh.
PRC Convener Ehsanul Haque regretted that political considerations had prevented successive governments in Pakistan from bringing back the stranded people.
The Consul (Welfare) at the Consulate General of Pakistan, Dr. Shoaib Akbar, said Iqbal’s message was universal. He said if Muslims followed Islamic teachings and remained united, they would make theircountry stronger. Shoaib said the fulfillment of the two-nation theory would be possible only after Kashmiris were given the right to self-determination. He said Pakistan was keen to resolve all issues with India through meaningful talks.
The meeting adopted a number of resolutions calling on the government to set up an Iqbal research academy; to highlight the issue of Kashmir at all forums; to reactivate the Rabita Trust and start the repatriation of stranded Pakistanis. Syed Musarrat Khalil conducted the function.
