Scholars, academics, and community leaders have underscored the urgent need to promote the legacy of Pakistan’s founder, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, and the principles of the Pakistan Movement within American society.
This call to action was a central theme at the first-ever Quaid Conference, an event organised by Bridge Media USA to commemorate the nation”s founding father, according to a statement today.
The gathering was attended by senior diplomatic figures, with the Consul General of Pakistan in Chicago, Mr Zaman Mehdi, participating as the Chief Guest. The conference was chaired by esteemed Pakistani-American community figure Syed Wahajuddin Ahmed, and Deputy Consul General Muhammad Saeed was also present as a special guest.
Participants delivered in-depth presentations exploring the historical struggle for Pakistan”s creation, the political foresight of its founder, and the core objectives of the movement. A key point of discussion was the importance of highlighting the contributions of independence movement leaders in the United States, with attendees commending Bridge Media for its efforts in advancing Pakistani history and intellectual discourse.
The roster of speakers included notable individuals from academia and community organisations, such as Professor Marcia Hermansen of Loyola University Chicago, Muhammad Majeedullah Khan of the Global Center of Urdu Literature Chicago, and Bolingbrook City Police Commissioner Talat Rasheed. Also presenting were Professor Masroor Qureshi, Mazhar Alam, Farukh Khawaja, Riaz Niazi, and Tahira Rida.
In recognition of their contributions to the event, Consul General Zaman Mehdi presented ‘Nishan-e-Sipas,’ or Certificates of Appreciation, to distinguished speakers and members of the organising team. Muhammad Majeedullah Khan assisted in the awards presentation.
The day’s formal proceedings were followed by a grand dinner and a Mushaira, a traditional poetic symposium. The symposium was presided over by the acclaimed poet and diplomat Ghulam Mustafa Anjum, with Sajid Chaudhry and Noon Javed featured as guest poets.
The Mushaira featured recitations from a variety of poets, including Dr Taufiq Ansari Ahmed, Tahira Rida, Raaz Rangoi, Muhammad Salim, Sajida Kazmi, Badr-us-Salam, Khawar Hussain, and Rashid Rahimi.
The programme commenced with a recitation from the Holy Qur’an by Manzar Alam and a tribute to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) by Saima Khan. In a gesture representing the younger generation, Yasir Qureshi presented a floral bouquet to the Consul General and recited a verse honouring Quaid-e-Azam, concluding a memorable event for the local Pakistani-American community.