rki.news
Altaf Hamid Rao
MIRPUR (AJK), May 4: Rich tributes were paid to late European Pakistani journalist and intellectual Khalid Hameed Farooqi at a memorial festival in Brussels, where speakers highlighted his lifelong struggle for truth, justice, and human rights.
Chairman of the Kashmir Council Europe, Ali Raza Syed, said intellectuals like Khalid Farooqi played a vital role in raising awareness of human rights through knowledge, wisdom, and responsible journalism. He said such personalities remain an inspiration for future generations engaged in freedom and justice movements.
Addressing the main ceremony, Syed said the late journalist dedicated his life to truth, justice, and the rights of oppressed communities. He emphasized that courageous writers and thinkers are essential in awakening societies and strengthening democratic values.
The annual festival was jointly organized by the Pakistan Press Club Belgium and the Kashmir Council Europe. It was attended by intellectuals, poets, journalists, and social and political figures from Belgium, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom.
Ali Raza Syed thanked participants and especially welcomed Ms. Tahira Habib Jalib, daughter of revolutionary poet Habib Jalib, who travelled from Pakistan as chief guest.
He said he had known Khalid Farooqi for over two decades, describing him as a close friend, advisor, and voice for the oppressed. He praised his honesty, integrity, and efforts in highlighting the Kashmir issue in Europe. He said Farooqi’s services for the Kashmir Council Europe would always be remembered and prayed for his elevated status in the hereafter.
The second session included a book launch by Safdar Zaidi and a poetry recital. A Life Achievement Award was presented to Mujahid Hussain, received on his behalf by Uneeb Rashid. The event was moderated by Chaudhry Imran Saqib, President of Pakistan Press Club Belgium.
Speakers included Aamir Butt, Akram Qaim Khanani, Ameen-ul-Haq, Shiraz Raaj, and Uneeb Rashid. Mujahid Hussain participated via video message. A short documentary on Khalid Farooqi and a message from his sister, Ms. Samar Farooqi, were also shown.
The cultural segment featured revolutionary poetry by Habib Jalib, presented by Tahira Habib Jalib, along with performances by several poets. The event concluded with tributes to Khalid Farooqi’s enduring journalistic and intellectual legacy.