Tennis star Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi is set to receive tumultuous reception from his Pakistani fans on his return from the US on Wednesday (today). Governor Punjab Salmaan Taseer will honour the tennis star by hosting a reception that will be attended by notables, Pakistan Tennis Federation officials and tennis players.
Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi is playing tennis internationally over the last many years, recently upgraded a ranking with Rohan Bopanna to a career best of number 6, but it is for the first time that he is being received as a national hero, thanks to vibrant electronic media.
Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi's flight Pak-722 will land at the Allama Iqbal International Airport at 1900 hours subject to favourable weather conditions. Pakistan Tennis Federation and tennis lovers as well as civil society have chalked out elaborate programme to accord rousing reception to Aisam who proved himself as true ambassador of Pakistan with his remarks at the prize distribution ceremony of men's doubles event of the US Open Tennis Tournament.
Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi proved himself as true patriot of Pakistan by telling the cheering crowd and millions of people watching the men's double final that "We are a friendly, loving, caring people and we want peace as much you guys want. May God love us all."
Tennis players said that achievements of Aisam had made every Pakistani hold proud at a time when the nation needed good news. On diplomatic front, they said Aisam made remarkable contribution by showing to the world that sports could be utilised to create peace, friendship and harmony in the world. On the other hand, family members of Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi are receiving greetings from people hailing from different walks of life over the achievements of Aisam.