KARACHI, Dec 15: Speakers at a function here on Sunday stressed the need for acknowledging the valuable service, rendered to the masses, of those who had achieved distinction in their respective fields so that these people could be encouraged to continue their effort with more vigour.

The function was organized by Idara Wiqar-i-Adab Pakistan to distribute awards among the people whose achievements have been recognized as distinctive service.

The Nazim of Karachi, Naimatullah Khan, speaking on the occasion, pointed out that there were a lot of people who had been rendering commendable services to humanity quietly but people did not even know them because their services had not been acknowledged. He said that their services must be highlighted not only to encourage them but also to motivate others tofollow them.

He regretted that Pakistan is yet to become a true Islamic welfare state though this was the main aim of its creation. However, he said, after becoming the City Nazim, he had made a pledge with himself to do his level best to make Karachi an Islamic welfare city where every citizen would be able to avail at least health and education facilities of a high standard.

Appreciating the conferring of awards to the figures of distinction, especially those who had rendered their valuable services during the Freedom Movement, the Nazim acknowledged that it was the efforts of these people which enabled the Muslim population of the subcontinent to turn the dream of Pakistan into a reality.

Later, awards were given to Dr Ruth Pfau (leprosy treatment), Ms Maria, Shaukat Siddiqui and Nadir Shah Adil (who could not come), Jimmy Engineer (social worker), Fatima Surriya Bajiya (writer), Shigeyuki Ataka (poet and writer), Samiullah (hockey), Haji Basheer (Freedom Movement), Akber Ali (a handicapped newspaper hawker), Zeba Bakhtiyar, and others.