Need to revive national spirit of 1965 War stressed

M RAFIQUE GORAYA

LAHORE: Scholars, literary figures, defence analysts and media persons have called upon the national leaders to make serious efforts for revival of the national spirit of courage, conviction and harmony exhibited during 1965 war to meet grave internal and external challenges.

They were speaking at the book launching ceremony veteran journalist. Altaf Hasan Qureshee’s latest book “Jang-e-September ki Yadain” jointly organized by South Asian Studies Centre, Punjab University and Pakistan Institute of National Affairs (PINA) here on Friday.

Retired Supreme Court judge, Justice Faqeer Muhammad Khokhar presided over the event.

The speakers included Prof Dr Ambareen Javed, Maj Muhammad Aamir (retd), Sajjad Mir, Mohtarma Bushra Rahman, Editor Sajjad Bukhari, Rabia Rahman, Mian Saif-ur-Rahman, Javed Nawaz, Abbas Tanveer Tabish, Eqan Hasan Qureshee & Altaf Hasan Qureshee, and Chief Editor Urdu Digest.

In his presidential speech former justice Faqir Muhammad Khokhar said Qureshee Sahib’s book appeared at a proper time as nation is facing critical situation which demands harmony and national cohesion and great determination.

He said armed forces are great assets for the integrity and solidarity of Pakistan. “There should be a complete harmony amongst all institutions designed to function within the constitutional limits.”

Former justice Khokhar paid great tributes to the harmony and high spirit that existed in army and the people that forced the Indian Lt General B M Kaul to admit in his book “Untold Storey” that we could not defeat Pakistan with the advantage of four time manpower and resources.

Major (retd) Muhammad Aamir of ISI fame in a detailed talk urged upon all stakeholders to harmonize the society as it was during 1965 war. He was of the view that those elements which are creating rifts between army and the people are enemy of Pakistan. It is utmost important that better understanding be credited among all state institutions which should abide by the constitution and rule of law.

Dilawar Ch admired that monthly Urdu Digest played a vital role in educating different segments of the society for the promotion of national integration and intellectual development. He was convinced that the book will be useful for creating awareness among the youth of Pakistan history.

Political analyst Sajjad Mir was of the opinion that the book Jang-e-September ki Yadain is a great treasure of military history, Pakistani nationhood and literature and the preface written by the author be separately published and circulated for the education of the young generation.

Prominent writer and politician Bushra Rahman highly appreciated the book as it preserved the living spirit of September War in a moving and effective style. The book should go in the libraries of college and universities.

Politician and analyst Qayyum Nizami suggested that the book should be included in the syllabus of history, political science and defence learning.

Rauf Tahir suggested that the book should be read by political and army leadership and hoped that the book would contribute to the revival of harmony as of 1965 war.

Singer Tabish recited the poem of Musheer Kazmi which created the atmosphere of the historic war.

Journalist Mian Saif-ur-Rahman paid tribute to Altaf Hasan Qureshee who preserved the spirit of 1965 war and provided precious material which could motivate the people for achieving higher goals.

Dr Ambareen Javed said that speakers had kindled the spirit of 1965 War by their speeches and it should be maintained through moderate behavior.