Tributes Paid to Late Journalists and Notable Personalities at Gojra Function
(By Zafar Chishti, Bureau Chief Punjab Pakistan)
Toba Tek Singh, Gojra:
Under the auspices of the Public Art and Literary Society (PALS) Lahore’s Gojra Unit, a meeting was held in the auditorium of the Gojra Bar Association to acknowledge the services of late journalists, intellectuals, lawyers and social figures who played courageous roles in their time, including during the Tehreek-e-Pakistan.
(PALS) Chairman Maqbool Ahmed Chohan was the chief guest, while renowned political and social figure Chaudhry Muhammad Rafiq Gujjar attended as guest of honor.
Other distinguished participants included former presidents of the Gojra Bar Association Sheikh Muhammad Javed Advocate, Tauqir Ashraf Khan Advocate, former Medical Superintendent Tehsil Headquarters Hospital Gojra Dr Waseem Hayat, Principal Government Graduate College Gojra Professor Dr Haq Nawaz Danish, Principal Informatics Group of Colleges Prof Ghazanfar Ali, Ch Tariq Naeem Transporter, and Chaudhry Ashfaq Mohsin.
Speakers at the event included senior journalists Arshad Mahmood Nasir, Bashir Rabbani, Abid Mahmood Ch, Dr Muhammad Hussain Malik, Haji Muhammad Sadiq, Tanveer Hussain, Malik Amjad Islam, Rana Umair Ahmed Advocate, Muhammad Imtiaz Rana, Saqib Mahmood Butt, Hafiz Muhammad Abbas Ali and Programme Organizer Syed Mohsin Raza.
The gathering paid tribute to active workers of the Pakistan Movement and well-known personalities including Dr Muhammad Ahmed Tabassum, as well as late journalists such as Syed Ghazi Salahuddin, founder of Gojra Press Club Syed Naveed Bukhari, Syed Munir Ahmed Kazmi, Wazir Muhammad Jalandhari, former Deputy Director Public Relations Muhammad Abid, Muhammad Iqbal Khan, Shaheed Sahafat Ashfaq Hussain Qureshi and many others.
The speakers stated that even in difficult circumstances, personalities who reformed society, upheld truth and honesty, championed human rights and served humanity selflessly remain alive in the hearts of people and continue to inspire the younger generation.
A large number of people from various walks of life, including journalists and lawyers, attended the reference.
Chairman Maqbool Ahmed Chohan, Dr Muhammad Hussain Malik and Abid Mahmood Chaudhry expressed concern over the demolition of the historic Municipal Library and Gojra Press Club by the administration and demanded their immediate reconstruction.
Former President Bar Association Tauqir Ashraf Khan said that journalists could use the bar auditorium until the reconstruction of the press club.
Chief guest Chaudhry Muhammad Rafiq Gujjar said that journalism is a sacred profession and courageous journalists who act as a bridge between the government and the public with integrity are the nation’s pride and valuable asset.
He urged journalists to unite on one platform to protect their rights and assured his full support in this regard.
At the end of the event, Saqib Mahmood Butt offered Fateha for the deceased and prayed for their high ranks.
