KARACHI, Aug 12: First meeting of the YMCA Literary Committee, recently formed under the patronage of Rev Joseph Paul, was held on Thursday, to recall the historic address of the Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah at the constituent assembly on September 11, 1947.

Presided over by famous lawyer and eminent progressive writer Abid Hasan Manto, it was addressed by Faisal Malik, adviser on culture to the chief minister, Dr Jaafer Ahmad, chairman Pakistan Study Centre at the University of Karachi, Bishop Sadiq Daniel, Pundit Ram Raj Maharaj, representing the local Hindu community, Mazher Jamil and Muslim Shamim, known writers, both belonging to the YMCA literary committee, and Ms Najma Khan, secretary of the committee.

Faisal Malik lamented over the disunity and discord found among the people, causing major problems and retarding national progress.

He, however, praised the efforts of the YMCA Literary Committee and promised maximum support by the government to its programmes.

Abid Hasan Manto spoke on the significance of the Quaid’s historic address, and proposed it should be replaced with the objectives resolution found in the constitution of Pakistan.

He further proposed that the said speech should be written in bold letters and glued on the walls of the national assembly.

Dr Jaafar Ahmad dwelt in detail over the Quaid’s speech and said that a nation state could not be formed when divided into majority and minority. The Quaid emphasized on equal status for all, without any discrimination on the basis of religion, race or tribe, clearly meant that he stood for one nation, not to be divided in any form.

While the Hindu community leader complained of the ongoing encroachments on Hindu temples and other places by land grabbers, he hoped that this practice will be stopped soon. He promised his community’s support in the development of Pakistan.

The YMCA literary committee comprising 20 members was formed at the meeting of the governing body of the YMCA held on 29th July.

After the conclusion of seminar a mushaira was held, chaired by famous poet Khalid Alig. Ms Najma Khan did the compering. — HA