F.P. Report
Islamabad: President Mamnoon Hussain has said that Pakistan and Jordan enjoy close friendly and brotherly relations and the scope of their relationship is enhancing day by day. The President said this while talking to the outgoing Ambassador of Jordan Nawaf Khalifa Saraireh who paid a farewell call on him at the Aiwan-e-Sadr, Islamabad on Wednesday. The President stated that King Hussein Bin Talal of Jordan was a very popular figure in Pakistan and was also considered as a true friend of Pakistan. He underlined that King Abdullah–II of Jordan is also following his footsteps towards further strengthening the relations of the two countries. The President underscored the significance of increasing trade between the both countries and emphasized that regular exchange of trade delegations was very important in this regard. He also stressed to further enhance the people-to-people contact between the two countries in order to deepen the educational, cultural and trade relations. On the occasion, the President also appreciated the services of outgoing ambassador of Jordan towards strengthening the relations of the two countries.
Furthermore President Mamnoon Hussain on Wednesday said the nations promoting their cultural heritage remained successful in all fields of life. Addressing here at the closing ceremony of Abdul Majeed Parveen Raqam Youth Calligraphy Competition, he said severing ties with heritage leads to lagging behind among comity of nations.
The president said the exhibition of different forms of calligraphy by young calligraphers showed that cultural legacy of Muslims was being transferred from one generation to the other and the artistic expressions by the young Pakistani practitioners was a reflection of this bright cultural heritage.
The president appreciated the strenuous efforts of National History and Literary Division under the inspiring leadership of Adviser to the Prime Minister Irfan Siddiqui for revival of this art. He said attributing this activity to renowned calligrapher Abdul Majeed Raqam was itself commendable and provided an opportunity to pay tribute to the people who contributed significantly in the field of calligraphy. He said there was a time when the art of calligraphy like oriental medicine, classical music and other fine arts was transferred from one generation to another in specific families.
He mentioned Masjid-e-Nabvi in Medina where Ustaad Shafiq uz Zaman from Pakistan demonstrated his true love and dedication in the form of his remarkable artistic designs.
The president said the nations that followed the path of development by neglecting their cultural heritage ultimately failed as compared to those which remained connected to their cultural heritage. He said cultural values created such a depth and beauty in the conduct and lifestyle of the culturally rich nations like Pakistan which became a guarantee of their success and development.
He said cultural values provided basis for educational, cultural and economic development besides enhancing the passion for progress among the people.
The president said the work of young calligraphers was not limited to pen and paper but was a national service, adding that manifestation of calligraphy could also be found in all Muslim countries including Turkey and Iran.
He emphasized that instead of becoming indifferent towards fine arts due to invention of modern era, focus should be given to promotion of the art and culture because it was the course followed by the developed nations. On the occasion, Advisor to the Prime Minister Irfan Siddiqui highlighted the importance of calligraphy competition.
He also said that such exhibition will also be organized in other parts of the country to promote this art and next exhibition will be held in Faisalabad.
