Zubair Qureshi
Ambassador of Algeria Brahim Romani at an interactive dialogue paid glowing tributes to Pakistan’s renowned peace activist, famous writer, poet, scholar and anti-imperialist Eqbal Ahmad for playing key role and extending support in the ‘glorious revolution of Algeria (1954-62).
The event was organized by The Black Hole—a thinkers’ forum that discusses art, culture, education, social and political issues—and participated by a number of former colleagues, students and contemporaries of Dr Eqbal Ahmad (1933-1999). Eminent intellectual and educationist Prof Dr Pervez Hoodbhoy was the moderator while Prof A.H. Nayyar also spoke on the occasion.
Ambassador Romani while expressing his gratitude to the organizers for inviting him said the government and the people of Algeria held Dr Eqbal Ahmad from Pakistan in high esteem.
He lived in Tunisia between 1962 and 1964 and wrote articles and delivered speeches supporting the glorious revolution of Algeria. Dr Eqbal was known to have acquainted some leaders of the Algerian revolution during his stay in Tunisia between 1962-1964, while preparing his doctoral dissertation on labour organizations in Algeria, Tunisia and Morocco, the ambassador said.
Recently, on the 61st anniversary of the Independence of Algeria (July 5, 1962), the International Association of Friends of the Algerian in recognition of his support and contribution to the glorious revolution of Algeria announced a prestigious award for Dr Eqbal Ahmed, the ambassador said adding the credit went to The Black Hole for celebrating the honour for the eminent Pakistani intellectual of the world-fame.
Ambassador Romani said Algeria has decided to establish the International Association of the Friends of the Algerian Revolution to recognize and honour all those who fought, sacrificed, extended solidarity and supported the great Algerian Revolution in all forms of assistance: political struggle, armed resistance, financial aid, civil service, freedom of speech in media and information, literature, art and associative and party solidarity, as well as diplomatic support in regional and international forums.
The founding General Assembly of the Association was held with President of the Republic, Abdelmadjid Tebboune in chair, in Algeria on July 3rd to mark the 61st anniversary of the glorious regaining of national independence and it was decided to award Friends of Algeria Revolution and Eqbal Ahmad’s name was among the recipients list, he said.
Representing Dr. Eqbal Ahmad (who passed away in Islamabad in 1999), a close family member and colleague Prof Dr Pervez Amirali Hoodbhoy received the award presented by the Ministry of Mujahideen Affairs of Algeria.
Dr Hoodbhoy, the moderator on the occasion, welcomed the ambassador to the forum and informed the audience how Dr Eqbal Ahmad was respected and revered not only in Algeria but also in Palestine and wherever people were resisting against imperialism. He shared some interesting anecdotes with the audience reflecting the humane and anti-war ideas of Dr Eqbal Ahmad. He regretted that people here in Pakistan didn’t know much about as very few things were published on his life and achievements.
