KARACHI, Dec 29: As many as 20 professionals including jurists, journalists, and artistes belonging to Lyari Town were honoured for their outstanding services in their respective fields and in the community development.

A festive function was held at the Arts Council auditorium to mark the event. Speakers lauded the services of prominent figures of Lyari Town, who had earned great respect in community for rendering invaluable services to promote social cause.

The function was organized by the Lyari Community Development Project (LCDP) on the eve of its golden jubilee celebrations day, and attended by a large number of women and social workers from Lyari.

Prominent among those who were awarded shields of honours included former chief justice, Syed Sajjad Ali Shah, Zia Awan, Begum Tazeem Faridi, Prof Ali Mohammad Shaheen and Sher Mohammad Raees.

Eulogizing the services of the social elite of Lyari, speakers were of the view that despite odds, they had not only contributed a lot to the development of community, but also prove their mettle in their professional fields.

The speakers said the time had come that the services of these individuals and prominent professionals were highlighted and they be made a role model for the new generation.

They urged the youths to come forward and play their due role in community development. In this regard, they recalled the role of the (LCDP) in the social welfare field. Earlier, Mr Yusuf Baloch, Abdul Rahim Mousvi and Sabia Ghani of the LCDP highlighted the social welfare services of the project.

Established in 1954, they said the LCDP had been one of the oldest NGOs in Lyari Town with a vast network of social welfare activity developed in collaboration with the Provincial Social Welfare Development.

In this connection, they particularly mentioned the Women Skill Development Project of the LCDP, which is an income generating project for the womenfolk. Other important components of the project included a learning resource centre and family planning and health services.

The function was also addressed by the Secretary Women Development, Dr Jabbar Khattak, Editor Awami Awaz and Umer Baloch. Baloch and Sindhi artistes enthralled the audience by their impressive presentations while performing traditional dances and singing songs.

A pictorial exhibition entitled 'Lyari: Past and Present' showing various social and cultural aspects of life in Lyari. The participants were particularly impressed by the works of prominent artistes Abdul Karim Solangi, who prominently displayed village life in Sindh.