JEDDAH — A dignified ceremony was organised by the Pakistani Executive Forum (PEF), Jeddah Chapter, to mark the National Day of Saudi Arabia and to express solidarity with Saudi brothers. The event was attended by officials of various Pakistani community forums, political and social organisations, and a large number of Pakistanis.
PEF Central Chairman Munir Ahmed Shad participated from Riyadh, while PEF President Saudi Arabia Kamran Qureshi attended from Dammam as guest of honour. Pakistan Investors Forum Chairman Chaudhry Shafqat Mehmood was the chief guest at the event.
The ceremony was hosted by PEF Jeddah Chapter General Secretary Aamir Naveed, while Qari Muhammad Asif had the honour of reciting the Holy Quran.
Addressing the ceremony, PEF Jeddah Chapter Head Chaudhry Zahir Ahmed and General Secretary Saudi Arabia Anser Iqbal Mughal welcomed the guests and participants and extended congratulations to the Saudi leadership and people on the Kingdom’s National Day. On this occasion, the reorganisation of the Jeddah Chapter was announced and the new office-bearers were introduced. The speakers expressed their commitment to making the forum more organised, active and stronger in Jeddah.
Other speakers at the event included Pakistan Muslim League (N) Saudi Arabia Chairman Chaudhry Akram Gujjar, former Advisor to the Chief Minister of Punjab Chaudhry Azhar Waraich, Acting Convener Pakistan Qaumi Yakjehti Forum and President Pakistan Peoples Party Saudi Arabia Chaudhry Tasawar Hussain, Acting Chairman Jammu and Kashmir Overseas Community and President Muslim Conference Saudi Arabia Sardar Muhammad Ashfaq, Christian Community Chairman John Gulzar, Pakistan Investors Forum General Secretary Mehr Abdul Khaliq Lak, and Kababish Arts Council President Ali Khurshid Malik, among others.
In their addresses, the speakers described Saudi Arabia as a second home for Pakistanis and said the Pakistani community holds good wishes for the Kingdom’s development, peace and prosperity. They thanked the Saudi leadership and government for providing employment opportunities to Pakistanis and for playing a key role in Pakistan’s economy, including supporting Pakistani families.
The speakers said the Pakistani community would continue to play its role in Saudi Arabia’s development and prosperity and would express cooperation and solidarity with the Saudi leadership, people and homeland on every occasion. They also congratulated the PEF office-bearers on the successful organisation of the event.
On this occasion, PEF Central Chairman Munir Ahmed Shad and President Saudi Arabia Kamran Qureshi congratulated the Jeddah Chapter team on the successful conduct of the ceremony. Extending National Day greetings to the Saudi leadership and people, they briefed the participants on the forum’s performance and future plans. They thanked the Jeddah Chapter for the invitation and participation and paid tribute to the organisers.
Chief Guest Pakistan Investors Forum Chairman Chaudhry Shafqat Mehmood, in his address, highlighted the historical importance of Pakistan-Saudi friendship and assured all possible cooperation with the Pakistani Executive Forum. He urged overseas Pakistanis to fully abide by Saudi laws and regulations and to prefer sending remittances to Pakistan through banking channels.
Chaudhry Shafqat Mehmood also urged traders to play their role in further organising and strengthening trade and economic relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. He said the Pakistani business community could play an important role in promoting mutual trade and investment between the two brotherly countries.
During the ceremony, renowned singer Bassam presented Pakistani and Saudi national songs, which were heard and widely appreciated by the participants with great enthusiasm.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, special prayers were offered for peace, development, stability and prosperity for the Saudi leadership and people, and a cake was cut to mark the Saudi National Day. The participants expressed their commitment to further promoting brotherly relations between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.
