ISLAMABAD, Oct 18 (APP):Nazriya Pakistan Council (NPC) Trust has organised a ceremony at Aiwan-e-Quaid to commemorate the death anniversary of Pakistan’s first Prime Minister, Shaheed-e-Millat Khan Liaquat Ali Khan, highlighting his contributions to nation-building, democratic principles and the protection of minority rights.
The speakers at the ceremony paid tribute to Liaquat Ali Khan’s political leadership, sacrifices and close association with Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, calling for greater efforts to familiarise younger generations with the services and ideals of the country’s founding leaders, said a press release issued here on Sunday.
Presiding over the ceremony, Dr Farooq Adil, a distinguished intellectual and member of the Rehmatul-lil-Alameen Authority, expressed concern over the limited representation of national heroes in the national curriculum.
He stressed the need to preserve Pakistan’s intellectual and ideological heritage, saying that education should equip young people with global knowledge while also familiarising them with the country’s history, founding principles and national leaders.
Chief guest Professor Khalid Jilani Tawana highlighted Liaquat Ali Khan’s role in presenting the historic Objectives Resolution, describing it as a landmark in defining Pakistan’s ideological direction.
NPC Trust Chairman Mian Muhammad Javed recalled Liaquat Ali Khan’s close association with Quaid-e-Azam and his efforts to safeguard minority rights through an agreement with India.
Renowned intellectual and Iqbal scholar Syed Zaheer Gilani highlighted Liaquat Ali Khan’s role in addressing the challenges faced by the newly established state, particularly refugee rehabilitation and economic difficulties. He also recalled the historic budget presented by Liaquat Ali Khan as finance minister, popularly known as the “Poor Man’s Budget.”
Intellectual Daud Kaif recalled his spirit of sacrifice, noting that he had handed over his residence in Delhi for use as Pakistan’s embassy, while senior journalist and analyst Tazeen Akhtar highlighted his political acumen during the challenging period surrounding Pakistan’s independence.
Renowned short-story writer Afshan Abbasi described Liaquat Ali Khan as a sincere and devoted companion of Quaid-e-Azam, saying that nations must remember those who made lasting contributions to their establishment and development.
Hosting the ceremony, story writer Hameed Qaiser said commemorating Shaheed-e-Millat should serve as an opportunity to draw inspiration from his ideals, national character and struggle for Pakistan’s stability. He emphasised the Trust’s role in educating younger generations about the lives and contributions of national heroes.
The ceremony concluded with prayers for the elevation of Liaquat Ali Khan’s ranks and a renewed resolve to work for Pakistan’s progress, stability and intellectual development.
Source: APP (Associated Press of Pakistan)
