Jeddah (Special Correspondent): A sumptous dinner was hosted by young businessman and senior member of the Yaran-e-Jeddah Group, Muhammad Abid Anwar , in honour of former Federal Minister and Member of the National Assembly Ijaz-ul-Haq and former Speaker of the Balochistan Assembly and Member of the National Assembly Jamal Shah Kakar.
The event was attended in large numbers by Head of Consular Services at the Pakistan Consulate in Jeddah Abdullah Ghuman, prominent figures of the Pakistani community, and office-bearers of various political parties, social organisations and forums. The atmosphere of the gathering was filled with mutual love, unity and harmony, and a spirit of passionate devotion to Pakistan.
The proceedings of the event were conducted by Chairman of the Pak Media Journalists Forum International, Chaudhry Noor-ul-Hasan Gujjar, while the recitation of the Holy Quran was performed by young Hamdan.
Addressing the gathering, Chairman of Muslim League (N) Jeddah Chaudhry Akram Gujjar welcomed all the participants and congratulated the distinguished guests on performing Umrah. Praising Muhammad Abid Anwar’s business and philanthropic activities, he highlighted the importance of unity, harmony and mutual cooperation within the Pakistani community.
Chairman of the Kashmir Committee Masood Ahmed Puri also congratulated the distinguished guests on behalf of all the participants on performing Umrah and paid tribute to their national and social services.
In his address, former Federal Minister and Member of the National Assembly Chaudhry Ijaz-ul-Haq said that Pakistan is progressing on the path of development and that nature has blessed our country with immense natural resources and mineral wealth. The natural resources present in Pakistan’s lands can play an important role in strengthening the national economy; however, to utilise these resources effectively, there is a need for expert individuals and a better system.
He said that Pakistan’s lands are rich in natural treasures, and in areas where mineral resources are present, local residents extract gold and other precious minerals by sifting through the earth themselves. The real issue is how to formulate an effective system to extract these hidden treasures from beneath the earth in a modern and organised manner and utilise them for national development.
Ijaz-ul-Haq said that at present a debate is ongoing in the country regarding provinces and administrative affairs; however, the need of the hour is to introduce an effective local government system in every city and region. During the era of former President General Pervez Musharraf, a local government system was also introduced, though it had certain shortcomings. By removing these shortcomings, a better and more effective “Pervez Musharraf Plus” style local government system can be formed, through which the people can play an effective role in resolving their local issues themselves.
Appreciating the unity of overseas Pakistanis, he said that it is heartening to see Pakistanis united abroad. Overseas Pakistanis are playing an important role in strengthening the national economy. Saudi Arabia is Pakistan’s most important friendly country, and the unity of Pakistanis abroad strengthens the friendly relations between the two countries and enhances Pakistan’s prestige.
Speaking on terrorism in the country, Ijaz-ul-Haq said that terrorists have continuously targeted Pakistan, and elements hostile to Pakistan are united for their nefarious objectives. In the war against terrorism, thousands of Pakistani citizens and brave personnel of the security forces have embraced martyrdom; however, the Pakistani nation and security institutions remain high in morale and are determined to eliminate the last terrorist.
Addressing the dinner, former Speaker of the Balochistan Assembly and Member of the National Assembly Jamal Shah Kakar said that Pakistan is a beautiful country with four seasons, and nature has blessed it with countless natural resources and mineral wealth. He said that by effectively utilising the mineral resources present in various parts of the country, the national economy can be strengthened.
He said that the full operationalisation of Gawadar Port will benefit not only Balochistan but all of Pakistan, while it will also provide major support to CPEC and the Pakistani economy. He said that the armed forces and the government are countering the negative propaganda being spread regarding Balochistan.
Jamal Shah Kakar said that Pakistan is a unique country in terms of natural beauty, geographical importance and resources, and is counted among the most beautiful countries in the world. The need of the hour is to further strengthen Pakistan economically by utilising the country’s resources.
At the conclusion of the event, head of the Yaran-e-Jeddah Group and former advisor to the former Chief Minister of Punjab, Chaudhry Azhar Abbas Warraich, thanked all the distinguished guests and participants. Appreciating the hosting of the dinner by Muhammad Abid Anwar, he said that such events play an important role in bringing overseas Pakistanis closer to one another, strengthening mutual ties and promoting unity and harmony within the community.
Later, Chairman of the Jammu and Kashmir Overseas Community, Engineer Arif Mughal, led a special collective prayer for Pakistan’s development and prosperity, national security and stability, and in particular for the freedom of occupied Kashmir and the success of the Kashmiri people’s struggle.