Governor Punjab, Malik Muhammad Rafique Rajwana has said that the world history is witnessed to the fact that poets, intellectuals, philosophers and artists have played an important role in changing the destiny of the nations. Their intellectual ideas and poetry reawakened the human minds; and as a result, their efforts were written in golden words in the annals of history.
He expressed these views while addressing the inaugural ceremony of three-day international conference on Iranian poet Firdousi Toosi which held under the aegis of Lahore College for Women University (LCWU) at Royal Palm Golf and Country Club on Monday.
The Governor Punjab said that both Pakistan and Iran are friendly countries and their bilateral relations are based on mutual respect and co-operation; as these relations have deep historic and cultural roots. He said that Iran was the first country to formally recognise Pakistan as a newly established independent state. Similarly, Iran supported Pakistan in the wars of 1965 and 1971 as well as on different international fora. Similarly, both the countries have similar passions of supporting each other's' security, development and prosperity.
The Governor Punjab said that the great poets beautifully depict the environs and happenings in their poetry. Giving example of Allama Iqbal, he said that the Poet of the East, Allama Iqbal motivated the youth to excel in life. The poetic works of great poets guide as how to spend life. He said that great is not the one who has senior position or authority; and added that when you're committed to serve to the people, then power or authority does not matter. He gave the example of late Abdul Sattar Edhi who selflessly worked for the ailing humanity and eulogized his last journey as the state bade him adieu in a graceful manner.
Provincial Higher Education Minister Syed Raza Ali Gillani said that both Urdu and Persian are beautiful languages, adding that Iranians are the best nation who did not succumb to sanctions. He maintained that Pakistanis should emerge as one united nation to grow and progress in future. Pakistanis have many talents, he maintained.
The atomic explosions in 1998 gave new identity to Pakistan as a respectful nation. He asked the students to give priority to their education to serve to their country in a better way. Pakistan needs educated youth in different fields. Pakistan has potential to grow and prosper but for that purpose, we need to work really hard, concluded the Minister. The seminar was also addressed by Ambassador of Tajikistan to Pakistan, Sherali Jononov, Vice Chancellor LCWU, Dr Rukhsana Kausar, Iranian Consul General in Lahore Mohammad Hossein Bani Asadi and others. Later, shields were distributed.