RIYADH — Pakistan Ambassador Manzoor Ul Haq said that there is no reason to be sad on occasions of happiness. He was speaking to the Pakistani community on the occasion of oath-taking ceremony of the newly-elected President of Pakistan Writers Club (PWC) and its Ladies Chapter (PWC-LC). This was also the occasion of National Day (March 23) celebrations. "Occasions of happiness should be celebrated with zeal and fervor," Ambassador Haq remarked. Ambassador Haq stressed on the need for soul-searching about what we as a nation have achieved over the years. "We as a nation have come of age and have made remarkable strides in the path of development. Pakistan has given a lot to each one of us and we should not complain rather be thankful for what Pakistan has given to us," Haq added. Earlier, Haq conducted the oath of office to the newly elected President of PWC & PWC-LC Abdul Rauf Mughal and his committee members. Haq praised the programs and events hosted by PWC & PWC-LC and emphasized they were of very high standard. "I am glad to see them celebrate Pakistani national days and it is the only organization that also celebrates the Saudi National Day," Haq said. Haq also praised the satirical and droll parody of Mushaira that the members of Ladies Chapter of PWC had presented during the Independence Day celebration in August last year. "I would be happy to witness such light satirical acts from the PWC ladies in the future too, "Haq added. The event was ably compered by Ashiq Hussain – former general secretary of PWC & PWC-LC. It was opened by recitation of verses of Holy Qur'an by Zubair Bhatti followed by a melodious Naat rendition by Almas Mumtaz and the national anthem respectively. Faiz Al-Najdi, the outgoing president in his farewell speech, praised the leadership of the president-elect and mentioned that the club was in safe and able hand. "There are many definition of a leader and the best definition is that a leader is the one who produces more leaders. I am stepping down but am proud of the fact that I have been able to produce more leaders in the club who can take the club to greater heights," Najdi remarked. In his acceptance speech President Rauf vowed to work hard for elevating PWC's image further. He also remembered and praised the work and leadership of all previous presidents of PWC. Rauf also introduced the members of his new team. Election Commissioner Prof. Nadir Alam also presented a detailed account on the free & fair conduct of PWC & PWC-LC election. PWC-LC convener in her welcome speech congratulated the new president and his team and assured them of her cooperation. After the oath-taking ceremony was over the second session was dedicated to National Day celebration. It commenced with medley of patriotic songs participated by 9 kids — sons and daughters of members of PWC Ladies Chapter and ably conducted by Almas Mumtaz and Dr. Rabia Amer. A satirical skit presentation followed and it was performed by Farah Ehsan, Madiha Malik and Dr. Rabia Amer. This skit depicted a re-invented conversation between Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Poet Allama Iqbal and noted independence movement leader Maulana Mohammad Ali Jauher. This skit won wide applause from all. Three speeches followed that were rendered by Shumaila Zupash Malik, Tasneem Amjad and by Prof. Gohar Rafiq. All three speakers effectively touched base on the various historical events and the sacrifices made by the Muslims of the then British India that led to the creation of Pakistan. Lady guest-of-honor Dr. Saiyyara Abdul Sattar in her very impressive speech recalled the great sacrifices that were made in the creation of Pakistan. She emphasized on focusing on the mission and vision of the creation of Pakistan. Guest-of-Honor Amjad Siddiqi, noted businessman-on-wheelchair and famously known and recognized as one-in-million, thanked PWC for providing him the opportunity to be part of this event. In his speech he emphasized upon the role of parents on character building of the younger generation so that they could become useful citizens of Pakistan. Ehsan Abbasi – new general secretary and Madiha Malik – deputy convener of PWC-LC ably conducted the event. The event concluded with award of shields for the following members of PWC & PWC-LC: Aisha Tahir, Shumaila Malik, Almas Mumtaz, Ehsan Abbasi, Syed Khawaja Nehal Uddin, Ashiq Hussain and Faiz Al-Najdi. From the community, following were also awarded: Dr. Erum Qalbani, Baber Ali, Prof. Nadir Alam, Tanvir Mian and Shahzad Alam. Shields were also awarded to the guests-of-honor Amjad Siddiqi and Saiyyara Abdul Sattar. The participating kids were awarded with certificates of appreciation.
