London: Pakistan is passing through a critical juncture of its history where on one side a prosperous and strong country is waiting for us and on the other side anti-Pakistan forces are trying their level best to impede its journey of progress. The circumstances are very clear. We, instead of becoming a part of any propaganda, must be part of its progress and strength.
These views were expressed by Pakistan Steel Mills former chairman General (retd) Abdul Qayyum while addressing a function organized by Pakistan Press Club.
The function was hosted by Naheed Randhawa and it was attended by prominent personalities belonging to different walks of life including former Pakistani High Commissioner Wajid Shamsul Hassan, Chairman WCoP Syed Qamar Raza, Chairman Pakistan Centre Tariq Dar, former president UK Pakistan Chamber of Commerce Tariq Chaudhry, Shahzada Hayat, Councillor Mehboob Chaudhry, renowned journalist Muhammad Sarwar, President Pakistan Press Club Mobeen Chaudhry, General Secretary PJA Wajahat Ali Khan, Mir Ikram Shah, former mayor Chaudhry Ayub, Chaudhry Abdul Aziz, Amir Ghauri, Azhar Javed, Arshad Rachyal and many more.
It was a planned Eid event, but due to death of Pakistan’s well-known social figure Abdul Sattar Eidi, it transformed into a condolence reference. Business tycoon Tariq Chaudhry, while calling Abdul Sattar Eidi the richest poor, paid glowing tributes to him. The chief guest disconnecting his presidential address, held Fateha for the departed soul. He said although he was not against the suggestion that any international airport should be named after Eidi, but personally he was of the view that an award should be released in his name given to the non-governmental organization on the basis of their annual performance. This will help promote his mission.
PPC UK President Mobeen Chaudhry in his address lauded Gen Qayyum for re-establishing the Pakistan Steel Mills which was going in heavy loss earlier. He said his tireless efforts saved the PSM from falling prey to corruption. The chief guest who has been in the power corridors for the last over 10 years after getting retirement from army said he was now a member of Senate’s Standing Committee for Defence and Overseas Pakistanis. He said he has been advising government about the welfare of Pakistanis serving and living abroad.
In a recently complied report, recognising the contributions made by overseas Pakistanis, he has made some recommendations to the government .He said in this regard he contacted a large number of Pakistanis living in different countries and collected information. In his report he suggested the government to hold a training camp for the people going abroad for doing jobs so that they could get familiar to the culture, laws and customs and traditions of the host countries.
Chairman World Congress of Overseas Pakistanis Syed Qamar Raza welcomed the guests while Naheed Randhawa hosted the function.
Commenting on Gen Qayyum’s report, Randhawa said the report not only highlighted the issues faced by overseas Pakistanis but also suggested solutions to their problems.
