ON the auspicious occasion of Pakistan Day, the nation renewed its pledge to work ceaselessly to realize the dream of its forefather to turn Pakistan into a model Islamic welfare state where rights and interests of all segments of the society are fully protected. As per traditions, President Asif Ali Zardari gave away awards to different personalities for their outstanding contribution to the cause of the country and their profession. These included, among others, late Mr Zahid Malik, founding Editor-in-Chief of the daily Pakistan Observer and a towering personality in the field of journalism, who was awarded the country’s second highest civil award ‘Hilal-e-Imtiaz’ (posthumously) in recognition of his meritorious services.
Those who knew Zahid Malik would subscribe to the view that he surely deserved this honour as the veteran journalist devoted his entire life to the ideals that formed the genesis of establishment of a separate homeland for Muslims of South Asia as well as promotion of healthy journalism in the country. He struggled throughout his life to uphold the banner of a strong ideological and geographical defence of the country, Pakistan’s principled position on Jammu and Kashmir dispute, just struggle of Kashmiri people, the country’s nuclear and missile programmes, Islamic solidarity and unity, cementing of bonds with the Muslim world and ‘Look-China’, ‘Look-Arab’, ‘Look East’ and ‘Look-Central Asia’ policies. Zahid Malik was a prolific writer and author of several books that have become a must for library shelves throughout the globe. “Dr A.Q. Khan and the Islamic Bomb” (both in English and Urdu) and “Mohsin-e-Pakistan ki Debriefing (Debriefing of Benefactor of Pakistan)” are best seller even today as they offer a deeper and authentic insight into the rationale and evolution of Pakistan’s nuclear programme. Similarly, his books “Mazameen-e-Quran-e-Hakeem,” “Mazameen-e-Ahadith” have immense reference value for religious scholars, writers, researchers and those in search of guidance on different topics. Zahid Malik not only used the platforms of Hurmat Publications and the daily Pakistan Observer to promote the causes he championed but also founded the Nazriya Pakistan Council (NPC) and was a moving spirit behind establishment of Aiwan-e-Quaid at F-9 Park in the Federal Capital, which has now become a focal point for activities to promote these causes. He also founded the famous platform known as ‘101 Friends of China’, which brought together prominent personalities from different walks of life to promote the cause of friendship with our great neighbour. The well-deserved award is a source of inspiration for the Observer family, which is committed to take forward his noble mission.
