ISLAMABAD, Oct 16 (APP): Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Division Aurangzeb Khan Khichi and other speakers on Friday paid rich tribute to Quaid-e-Millat Shaheed Liaquat Ali Khan for his political acumen, national services and sacrifices for Pakistan.
They expressed these views at a ceremony titled “Tribute to Quaid-e-Millat Liaquat Ali Khan”, organised by the Pakistan Academy of Letters (PAL) at its Sheikh Ayaz Conference Hall to mark the 75th death anniversary of the country’s first prime minister.
Renowned poet and writer Iftikhar Arif presided over the event, while Professor Jalil Aali and Federal Secretary for National Heritage and Culture Division Asad Rehman Gilani attended as guests of honour.
Dr Aalia Sohail, Country Director of the American Institute of Pakistan Studies and former vice chancellor, and journalist and intellectual Jabbar Mirza delivered keynote addresses.
Addressing the gathering, Federal Minister Aurangzeb Khan Khichi said remembering Liaquat Ali Khan’s national services was a matter of pride, adding that his leadership during Pakistan’s challenging formative years remained a remarkable chapter in the country’s history.
He appreciated PAL for organising the event, saying such literary and intellectual activities helped acquaint younger generations with national history and the sacrifices of the country’s founding leaders.
The minister said the National Heritage and Culture Division had directed its subordinate institutions to organise events across all four provinces to highlight Liaquat Ali Khan’s contributions.
Dr Aalia Sohail said Liaquat Ali Khan played an important role in linking the ideology of Pakistan with national identity, culture and civilisational values through his political insight and foresight.
Jabbar Mirza described Liaquat Ali Khan’s assassination as an immense tragedy and an irreparable loss for the nation.
Professor Jalil Aali highlighted Liaquat Ali Khan’s contribution to the Objectives Resolution, describing it as an enduring part of his national legacy. He said promoting cultural and civilisational values was essential for strengthening national ideology in a country rich in linguistic and cultural diversity.
Presiding over the ceremony, Iftikhar Arif highlighted Liaquat Ali Khan’s political struggle before and after independence, particularly his role in shaping Pakistan’s ideological identity and constitutional direction through the Objectives Resolution.
He also referred to efforts to establish and strengthen national institutions, including the State Bank of Pakistan, and called for greater research, literary work and publications on Liaquat Ali Khan’s life and achievements to familiarise younger generations with the contributions of national leaders.
The ceremony concluded with prayers for the departed soul and elevation of Liaquat Ali Khan’s ranks.
Source: APP (Associated Press of Pakistan)
