Zahid Malik remembered as vocal advocate of Pak-China Friendship, Kashmir and Ideology of Pakistan
Zubair Qureshi/ Asif sheikh/ Amraiz Khan Islamabad/ Karachi/ Lahore
Prayers were held in Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore and other cities of Pakistan for Founder Editor-in-Chief of Pakistan Observer, Founder Chairman of the Nazriya Pakistan Council (NPC) (Trust), Founder of the Pak-China Friendship think-tank ‘101 Friends of China’ Zahid Malik (late) on Wednesday marking his 5th death anniversary (died: Sep 1, 2016).
Sajjada Nasheen (custodian) of the Edigah Sharif Pir Naqeeb-ur-Rehman led special prayers (Dua-e-Maghfirat) for eternal peace and bliss of the departed soul.
Besides, other seminaries and masaajid also held similar Dua and Quran Khawani for late Zahid Malik.
Mr Malik was considered a vocal advocate of the Ideology of Pakistan, freedom of the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJ&K) and Pak-China Friendship and for his services to the country in the field of journalism the government of Pakistan decorated him with the prestigious civil award Sitara-i-Imtiaz in 2011.
At Pakistan Observer’s head office in Islamabad, workers, staff and management of the newspaper organized Quran Khawani and Dua-e-Maghfirat for late Zahid Malik.
Likewise, in Karachi and Lahore bureaus of the newspaper and at ‘101 Friends of China’ office similar Dua-e-Maghfirat were held and eminent religious leaders, scholars and notable personalities offered Fateha for Zahid Malik’s departed soul. They prayed to the Almighty to grant the departed soul an elevated place in Jannah.
The condolence ceremonies were held observing all the Covid-19 Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and upholding the health guidelines. Those who could not attend the Quran Khawani, sent their messages of condolences.
Zahid Malik, they said was a true reflection of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s saying, “Work, work and more work” and so he wanted the youth of Pakistan to live a life according to the Quaid’s teachings and vision.
He was a prolific writer and had a number of well-read and extensively-researched popular books to his name.
However, of all his works, his book ‘Mazameen-e-Quran’ or ‘Subjects of Quran’ is the one that gave him international recognition and is selling even today like a hot cake, they said.
The book has been translated into English, French and German and now its Chinese and Spanish translations are underway.
Quran Khawani and Dua-e-Maghfirat were also held at the Aiwan-e-Quaid, Nazriya Pakistan Council, Fatima Jinnah Park (F-9 Park).
Besides the council’s staff, students of religious seminaries also participated in Quran Khawani and prayed for the blessing of the departed soul.
In Lahore, Quran Khawani was held at the bureau office of Pakistan Observer. A large number of people including the staff members of Lahore office participated in the Quran Khawani.
Later, a collective prayer was offered for eternal peace and rest of the departed soul. On the occasion, speakers including Deputy Editor Mujahid Butt, Bureau Chief Amraiz Khan, and staff paid rich tribute to late Zahid Malik for his contribution to the cause of journalism and freedom of media.
They said Zahid Malik was in fact an institution in himself and strived hard for the protection of Pakistaniyat and the two nation theory throughout his life. The meritorious services of Zahid Malik will be remembered for long.
In Karachi too, Quran Khawani and Dua-e-Maghfirat was also held at the Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce Industry (FPCCI) on Wednesday.
A large number of people from a cross section of society, including Editor-in-Chief Pakistan Observer Faisal Zahid Malik and President FPCCI Nasser Hyatt Maggo,attended the gathering.
