By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)
The life and achievements of Pakistan's first Prime
Minister, Liaquat Ali Khan were recalled at a Liaquat Day seminar organized at
Sir Syed University of Engineering & Technology (SSUET), Karachi.
Noted speakers paid rich tribute to the services of
Nawabzada Liaquat Ali Khan during the Pakistan Movement and then as the Prime
Minister of Pakistan.
Speaking on the occasion Chancellor SSUET Engr Adil Usman said that today we
are living in an independent state which was achieved so that Muslims of South
Asia could order their lives in accordance with the tenets of Islam.
The state in which we are living with respect and dignity was not achieved as a
gift on a platter but as a result of strenuous movement steered by Quaid-e-Azam
Mohammed Ali Jinnah and leaders like Nawabzada Liaquat Ali Khan, he pointed
out.
He informed that Liaquat Ali Khan was a graduate of the
Aligarh Muslim University and he rose into prominence within the Muslim League
during the 1930s.
He was the one who persuaded Quaid-e-Azam to return to India, an event which
paved the way for Pakistan movement in which Nawab Liaquat Ali Khan remained
all along with Quaid-e-Azam and which culimnated into the creation of a
separate homeland for Muslims of South Asia on August 14, 1947.
Chancellor Adil Usman pointed out that during his parliamentary career Liaquat
Ali Khan will always adhere to his opinion even in the face of severe odds. He
took active part in legislative affairs and was a part of the Muslim delegation
in the national convention held in Calcutta to evaluate the Nehru Report in
1928.
Addressing the seminar renowned researcher Khawaja Razi Haider said that in
response to the division of India on the basis of bi-nation theory, around 144
proposals, plans, concepts and suggestions came forward.
Another speaker Mehfooz-un-Nabi Khan said Liaquat Ali Khan
pursued an effective foreign policy, based on national interest. He did
economic wonders and controlled price-hike in Pakistan when the world faced a
severe recession.
He recalled that when Liaquat Ali Khan took over as Prime Minister he had no
official residence, and stayed at Haroon House.
Noted intellectual Prof Dr Waqar Ahmed Rizvi described Liaquat Ali Khan as a
role model for the youth and said he was a true successor of Quaid e Azam
Mohammad Ali Jinnah.
Prominent scholar Dr Muhammad Raza Kazmi said when Liaquat Ali Khan was
assassinated, his mother was alive and was proud of her son’s pure character.
Renowned poet Anwar Azmi presented poetic tribute to the great leader Nawabzada
Liaquat Ali Khan, while Registrar Syed Abrar Ali presented the vote of thanks.
