The Pakistan Writers Club Riyadh (PWC) hosted a pioneering literary sitting observing the 73rd death anniversary of the legendary poet Dr. Allama Mohammad Iqbal, recently. Iqbal died at the age of 60 on April 21,1938. PWC, founded in 1989, is an association of expatriate Pakistani writers, poets and journalists living and working in Riyadh. It is credited for its literary and social activities and this program was one of several programs hosted by PWC each year. The noted visiting scholar and writer from Pakistan Afzaal Siddiqui was the honored Chief Guest on the occasion while PWC President Syed Bashir Ahmed chaired the event. PWC Joint Secretary, Ayman Zaheer, aptly conducted the program and the host of the program was PWC General Secretary Choudhry Rehmat Ali aka Badal. The program commenced with the recitation of the Holy Qur'an by Dr. Mehmood Bajwa – a noted literary person in Riyadh – followed by his commentaries on the philosophical premise of Iqbal's poetry. Ashiq Hussain, a senior member of PWC, also presented a melodious Na'at. Faiz Al-Najdi, Patron-in-Chief of PWC then presented a brief introduction about PWC including its aims and objectives. He also presented a detailed biographical profile of Afzaal Siddiqui. A short literary session then followed starting with Engr. Syed Khawaja Nehal Uddin, a senior member of PWC, who recited apoem entitled “Pakistan”, especially written for the occasion. Mohammad Yunus, President of Halqa Arbab-e-Ghalib, a literary association in Riyadh, also presented brief notes on the works of Iqbal. He said Iqbal's teachings via his poetry works were a beacon of light for all of us and its relevance can be found even today. Professor Tahir Shaikh of Pakistan International School-Sulaimaniyah presented a thought-provoking lecture on the life and achievements of Iqbal. He especially focused on the embedded philosophy in Iqbal's poetry works. Poet Javed Akhter Javed paid homage to Iqbal by presenting some lines of his poetry in his honor. Dr. Mehmood Bajwa's occasional interjections and quips were a source of delight for the attendees. He also presented Iqbal's epic poem “Qurtaba” and received appreciation from all. Afzaal Siddiqui said this was a welcome opportunity for him to come into contact with the stellar literary personalities of Pakistanis living in Riyadh. He spoke with great appreciation for Punjab and for the Punjabis for their services and contributions in promoting the Urdu literature over centuries. He also thanked PWC for honoring him and providing him an opportunity to come in contact with Pakistani writers, poets and journalists living and working in Riyadh. The event was attended by a select gathering of individuals.
