TP Report
Karachi: Halqa-e-Fikr-o-Nazar and PACC organized a prestigious ceremony in honor of Presidential Award recipient and former Adviser to the Consul General of Japan, Muhammad Azmat Ataka. The event was graced by former Federal Minister for Law, Justice, Human Rights and Parliamentary Affairs, Shahida Jamil, as the chief guest. Prominent speakers, including Saleem Mughal, Abdullah Feroz, Sohail P. Ahmed, Owais Adeeb Ansari, Wazahat Naseem, and Farhana Owais, addressed the gathering. The ceremony commenced with the recitation of the Holy Qur’an by Assistant Commissioner West, Imran-ul-Haq, followed by a Naat recited by Professor Dr. Sajida Parveen and Almas Nayab. In her welcome address, Chairperson of Halqa-e-Fikr-o-Nazar, Shahida Khurshid, highlighted Muhammad Azmat Ataka’s invaluable contributions toward strengthening friendship between Pakistan and Japan. She stated that Ataka played a pivotal role in connecting Japan with Pakistan’s rich cultural heritage. In recognition of his outstanding services, the Government of Pakistan conferred upon him the Presidential Award. She also paid tribute to him through her poetic verses. On this occasion, Muhammad Azmat Attaka said, “I congratulate Shahida Khurshid and her team on organizing such a magnificent ceremony. I believe that holding events like this is an excellent example of encouragement and motivation.” In her address, Shahida Jamil paid rich tribute to Azmat Ataka, stating that the Presidential Award was a well-deserved recognition of his services. She also commended Chairperson Shahida Khurshid and her team for organizing such a dignified and meaningful event to honor a remarkable personality. Vice President of Halqa-e-Fikr-o-Nazar, Professor Dr. Sajida Parveen, remarked that true to the meaning of his name “Azmat” (greatness), Ataka has upheld the responsibilities entrusted to him with excellence. She added that Allah selects certain individuals for the service of humanity, and Azmat Ataka is among those chosen few. President of PACC, Makhdoom Riaz, thanked Shahida Khurshid for organizing the prestigious gathering and stated that the evening was dedicated to celebrating a truly distinguished personality. Farhana Owais recalled her first meeting with Ataka during her tenure at PTV, when she was assigned to cover a Japanese dolls exhibition at the Arts Council. She credited Ataka’s support for the success and wide appreciation of her report. Saleem Mughal shared that his friendship with Azmat Ataka spans over 50 years, dating back to their student days. He praised Ataka’s integrity and commitment, noting that he never used official vehicles for personal purposes. Expressing pride in their family bond, he said that Ataka’s daughter, Fatima, is his daughter-in-law. Wazahat Naseem acknowledged learning the Japanese language and Haiku poetry from Ataka. She stated that the tradition of the Urdu Haiku Mushaira was initiated through his efforts, and the holding of the 38th Annual Urdu Haiku Mushaira stands as a testament to his dedication. Sohail Ahmed described Ataka as a humble, noble, and compassionate individual who has remained devoted to his work throughout his life. Abdullah Feroz, who is engaged in various social welfare projects, shared that he was entrusted with establishing a Burn Center for victims at Civil Hospital. He said that after seeking divine guidance, the project received its first donation of Rs. 5 million, laying a strong foundation for the initiative. He credited Azmat Ataka’s wholehearted support as instrumental in the project’s success and described him as an angelic personality, praying for his continued health and strength.Active member of Halqa-e-Fikr-o-Nazar, Syed Abdul Basit, expressed gratitude to the guests and said it was an honor for the organization to host such an eminent figure. Owais Adeeb Ansari shed light on Ataka’s personal journey, mentioning that after arriving in Pakistan, he embraced Islam and wholeheartedly adopted Pakistani culture and society. He also married Asifa Ataka, niece of renowned scholar Abul Khair Kashfi. Among others who attended the ceremony were Shahida Rizvi, Ayesha Shabab, Ms. Saleem Alam, Mehr Afroz, Chairperson of Bhopal Forum Shagufta Farhat, Hammad Ali, Behroze, Naseem Bukhari, Saeed Ahmed, Ruby Raza, Almas Nayab, Nazar Hussain, Naghmana Sheikh, Waseem Abbasi, Naeem Ahmed, Assistant Commissioner West Imran-ul-Haq, and several other distinguished guests. In the end, Shahida Khurshid, along with the team of Halqa Fikr-o-Nazar, presented a shield and flowers to Muhammad Azmat Attaka.
