Chicago/Karachi: Under the auspices of Bridge Media USA, the first Quaid Conference in Chicago was held with great enthusiasm to commemorate the founder of Pakistan, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah (RA). The event was graced by the Consul General of Pakistan in Chicago, Mr. Zaman Mehdi, as Chief Guest, while the conference was presided over by senior Pakistani-American community leader Syed Wahajuddin Ahmed. Deputy Consul General Muhammad Saeed also attended the conference as a special guest.
Renowned scholars, writers, academics, and poets participated in the conference and delivered comprehensive presentations on the struggle of the Pakistan Movement, the challenges faced during that period, Quaid-e-Azam’s political foresight and strategic vision, and the causes and objectives behind the creation of Pakistan. Speakers emphasized the need to highlight the contributions of Pakistan Movement leaders within American society and appreciated the role of Bridge Media in promoting Pakistani history, culture, and intellectual discourse in the community.
The speakers included Professor Marcia Hermansen (Loyola University Chicago & Habib University Karachi), Muhammad Majeedullah Khan (Founder & President, Global Center of Urdu Literature Chicago), Talat Rasheed (Police Commissioner, Bolingbrook City), Professor Masroor Qureshi (Founder & President, Bridge Media and Professor, Federal Urdu University Karachi), Mazhar Alam (Media & Social Director, Bridge Media USA), Farukh Khawaja (President, Bazm-e-Atish Chicago), Riaz Niazi (President, Saqeen Art Gallery Chicago), and Tahira Rida (Secretary, World Urdu Conference Chicago).
At the conclusion of the conference, Consul General Zaman Mehdi presented “Nishan-e-Sipas” (Certificates of Appreciation) to distinguished participants and selected members of the organizing team in recognition of their services to the Quaid Conference, with Muhammad Majeedullah Khan assisting in the ceremony.
Following a grand dinner hosted by Zahid Nihari & Banquet, a Mushaira (poetic symposium) was held. The Mushaira was presided over by renowned poet and diplomat Ghulam Mustafa Anjum, while the guest poets were Sajid Chaudhry and Noon Javed. The Mushaira featured poetic recitations by Dr. Taufiq Ansari Ahmed (Rais-ul-Shu‘ara), Tahira Rida, Raaz Rangoi, Muhammad Salim, Sajida Kazmi, Badr-us-Salam, Khawar Hussain, and Rashid Rahimi.
The event began with recitation of the Holy Qur’an by Manzar Alam, followed by Naat-e-Rasool (PBUH) presented by Saima Khan. Representing the youth of Chicago, Yasir Qureshi presented a bouquet to the Consul General, recited a couplet in tribute to Quaid-e-Azam, and raised slogans of “Pakistan Zindabad.”
The memorable and well-organized event concluded late at night, leaving a lasting impression on the Pakistani-American community in Chicago.