Report Noor-ul-Hassan Gujjar
Jeddah: A grand dinner reception was held in Jeddah to honour Chaudhry Shafqat Mahmood, President of the Pakistan Investors Forum, upon receiving the prestigious “Son of Pakistan” award. The event was organized by the Forum’s General Secretary and prominent young Kashmiri investor, former JKCO Chairman Sardar Waqas Inayatullah Khan, to pay tribute to Mr. Mahmood’s achievement.
The ceremony was attended by members of the Pakistan Investors Forum, along with a large number of political, social, and religious organization leaders from Pakistan and Azad Kashmir, as well as media representatives. The event was emceed by Chaudhry Zaheer Ahmad, while Sardar Ashfaq Khan, President of the Muslim Conference Saudi Arabia, delivered the opening remarks, highlighting the significance and background of the award.
In his keynote address, Chief Guest Chaudhry Shafqat Mahmood stated that the “Son of Pakistan” award was not just a recognition of his personal efforts but a source of pride for Pakistan at the international level. He discussed the growing investment opportunities in Saudi Arabia and encouraged the Pakistani community to take initiative in small and medium-sized businesses. He also reiterated his commitment to increasing foreign remittances to Pakistan.
Sardar Waqas Inayatullah Khan warmly congratulated Chaudhry Shafqat on receiving the award and expressed gratitude to all esteemed guests. He also drew attention to the challenges faced by overseas Pakistanis and urged the Government of Pakistan to take effective measures in addressing these issues.
Press Counselor Chaudhry Irfan and Commercial Attaché Madam Saadia Khan, speaking on behalf of the Consulate, praised Chaudhry Shafqat Mahmood’s contributions and extended their congratulations. Other notable speakers included Chaudhry Azhar Warraich (Former Advisor to CM Punjab and Chairman of Investors Forum), Engineer Arif Mughal (Chairman JKO), Fazal Memon (Senior Vice President, Investors Forum), Chaudhry Akram Gujar (Chairman PML-N Saudi Arabia), Syed Riaz Bukhari (Convener National Unity Forum), and Chaudhry Zaheer Ahmad. The speakers remarked that international recognition of Chaudhry Shafqat’s services is a matter of pride for the entire Pakistani community. They urged the Pakistan Consulate to formally recommend him for national honours by the Government of Pakistan.
The event also acknowledged and appreciated the Consulate team’s efforts for successfully organizing the “Made in Pakistan” exhibition.
The evening concluded with a special prayer led by Qari Muhammad Asif for the prosperity of Pakistan and unity of the overseas community.