JEDDAH, 10 December 2004 — Pakistan Consul General Masood Akhtar urged the community to close its ranks, understand the country’s problems and offer solutions. “There has been a lot of talk about ending the Kashmir crisis, but mere slogans will not help. What everyone needs to do is to understand the problem thoroughly and work toward finding solutions,” he said while addressing the Pakistani Engineers Society (PES). He was the chief guest at its Eid Milan function here on Wednesday night.
“Mere talk will not help. There should be an honest effort to ease the difficulties related to any problems. There are many ways in which the community can demonstrate its unity and solidarity, one of them being sports,” he said and wanted them not to remain silent spectators of the events in the home country.
“When the country faces problems, try to measure its weaknesses and strengths. Respond effectively instead of blaming the government or diplomatic missions for all ills,” he said and reminded them that the consulate was always open to everyone. “It’s incumbent on everyone to be proud of your country, flag and passport,” he emphasized.
There are always underprivileged people in the community and it becomes the responsibility of everyone to help and assist each other in whatever way one could, he said and called upon them not to fall prey to misunderstandings and anger. “If there is any misunderstanding with anyone, you should make every effort to clear it instead of getting enraged,” he said, adding that members of the community should share each other’s happiness and sorrow.
The consul general referred to the outstanding performance of Pakistan International School (English Section) and said the acknowledgment came from the British Council whose team recently visited the school and reviewed the students’ performance and the school’s facilities including labs.
The consul general, and PES President Dr. Wajahat H. Mirza and Secretary-General Azeez Ahmad were among those who remembered veteran Pakistani journalist and Saudi Gazette staffer Mazhar Hassan Siddiqui who died here a week ago. They recalled his services to the community and profession here over the past two decades.
Azeez Ahmad said the elaborate program for the Eid celebration had been curtailed due to Siddiqui’s death.
As a gesture of unity and solidarity among different sections of the community, the PES had invited Pakistani Accountants’ Forum, Pakistani Doctors Group, Pakistani Executives Group, Pakistani Journalists Forum, Pakistani Writers Forum, Daira Adab Urdu (Urdu Literature Circle) and Kashmir Committee Jeddah.
The representatives of all organizations joined the consul general in raising and holding their hands together as a gesture of unity and solidarity.
