JEDDAH, 13 December 2004 — Majeed Nizami, a well-known Pakistani intellectual and veteran journalist, has urged his countrymen to stand united in order to save the country from its misfortunes.
“Not only Pakistan but the whole Muslim world is caught up in a very difficult situation, which calls for concerted remedial action,” said Nizami, who was here to perform Umrah last week.
Addressing the Pakistan community at a dinner function held in his honor by Pakistan National Forum last week Nizami said the tug-of-war between the politicians and army has harmed the democratic process in the country.
“The country that was created on the basis of two-nation theory has disintegrated and instead of being a fortress of Islam it is distancing itself from its roots,” he said.
“Mere talk will not help. There should be an honest effort to overcome the difficulties related to any problem. There are many ways by which the community can demonstrate its unity and solidarity,” he said and asked them not to remain silent spectators while the country suffers. He called upon them to continue their efforts to make the country more stable and prosperous. Nizami also stressed the need to increase export of Pakistani goods to Saudi Arabia. “Saudi Arabia has long-term relations with Pakistan and it is the only country which we consider our second home,” Nizami said, adding that “we must give priority to Saudi Arabia in every sector.”
Speaking about the Kashmir issue Nizami said the solution to the problem should be in accordance with the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
Zubair Badr, president of Pakistan National Forum, highlighted the association’s objectives and urged people from all walks of life to help the government in tiding over its problems. He also urged the Consulate General of Pakistan in Jeddah to help disabled children in the community who are unable to get proper schooling. Shahid Naeem, president of Pakistan Journalists Forum, conducted the function.
Meanwhile, a condolence meeting was held at the residence of Sohail Ali Khan, press attaché, Consulate General of Pakistan, in memory of the late Mazhar Hassan Siddiqui, a veteran journalist, who died here recently following a heart attack.
