ISLAMABAD, AUG 8 /DNA/ – Former President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Pakistan’s former Ambassador to the United States and China, Sardar Masood Khan, has urged the younger generation to avoid despair and play an active role in making Pakistan stronger, more prosperous and developed through hard work, determination and a spirit of national service.

He expressed these views while addressing the launch ceremony of Masnavi Peer Changi, the final literary work of the late renowned journalist, scholar and diplomat Hassan Akhtar Gardezi.

The ceremony, presided over by Sardar Masood Khan, was hosted by Zafar Bakhtawari, Chairman of the Pakistan Cultural Forum and Secretary General of the United Business Group (UBG). Professor Dr. Muhammad Saleem Mazhar, Director General of Idara Farogh-e-Qaumi Zaban, attended as the Chief Guest.

Muhammad Afzal Butt, President of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ); Dr. Ijaz Shafi Gilani; Syed Javed Hasan Gardezi; Musa Hasan Gardezi; and other distinguished guests also attended the ceremony.

In his presidential address, Sardar Masood Khan said that Masnavi Peer Changi reflects Hassan Akhtar Gardezi’s spiritual thought, deep attachment to Islam and Pakistan, and unwavering commitment to national values.

He said the book portrays the late author’s life, struggle and intellectual journey, while highlighting his strong devotion to Islam, Pakistan and national ideals. He added that the book’s unique narrative style makes it a distinguished literary work and conveys an important message of hope, perseverance and nation-building.

Chief Guest Professor Dr. Muhammad Saleem Mazhar said that Masnavi Peer Changi represents the essence of Hassan Akhtar Gardezi’s lifelong experience, intellectual insight and literary excellence. He said the book would serve as a valuable literary asset and source of inspiration for future generations.

He also appreciated the efforts of the Pakistan Cultural Forum for the promotion of literature, culture and the arts.

Zafar Bakhtawari said that the Pakistan Cultural Forum aims to preserve Pakistan’s national heritage, language, literature, history and cultural identity; highlight the contributions of writers and national personalities to the younger generation; and promote reading, dialogue, tolerance and intellectual awareness in society.

Paying tribute to Hassan Akhtar Gardezi, Zafar Bakhtawari said that he was a courageous, principled and honest journalist who always stood for truth, gave priority to national dignity and upheld the highest standards of journalism.

He urged young journalists to follow Hassan Akhtar Gardezi’s example of integrity, professionalism and commitment to principles. He added that unity, harmony and collective efforts are essential for Pakistan’s progress and prosperity.

Muhammad Afzal Butt appreciated the efforts of Syed Javed Hasan Gardezi in making the publication of his late brother’s final literary work possible. He said Hassan Akhtar Gardezi’s writings would remain a valuable source of guidance for future generations, particularly in the areas of leadership, patriotism and public service.

Dr. Ijaz Shafi Gilani said that Hassan Akhtar Gardezi’s personality was a practical reflection of his love for Pakistan and Kashmir. He said the late author drew intellectual and spiritual guidance from the philosophies of Maulana Jalaluddin Rumi and Allama Muhammad Iqbal and always remained optimistic about Pakistan’s bright future.

Javed Hasan Gardezi paid tribute to his late brother and described him as an honest, dignified and patriotic person who demonstrated unwavering loyalty to Pakistan throughout his life.

Musa Hasan Gardezi, grandson of the late author, thanked the participants and paid tribute to his grandfather’s academic and literary contributions. On the occasion, he also recited a patriotic poem and prayed for the fulfilment of Allama Muhammad Iqbal’s vision of a strong, prosperous and developed Pakistan.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, prayers were offered for the departed souls of Hassan Akhtar Gardezi and Haji Ghulam Nabi Bakhtawari, a gold medalist of the Pakistan Movement.=DNA