Seminar organized by Pakistan Chapter of Voice for Humanity International (V4HI) held Jan 21, 2024, at the auditorium of Sir Syed University of Engineering & Technology (SSUET). Dua Foundation Pakistan and Sir Syed University (SSUET) sponsored the event.
This seminar was aimed to highlight the issue of Non Bengalis /Pakistanis stranded in Bangladesh Camps. National Anthem was played at the beginning followed by recitation of verses from Holy Quran by Nadeem Nezami.
The speakers on this occasion were Prof. Dr. Moonis Ahmar, former chairman, department of international relations, former dean, faculty of social sciences, University of Karachi, Mahmood Shaam, senior Pakistani journalist, poet, columnist, political analyst, author of more than 20 books. Ehtesham Arshad Nezami, US based freelance journalist, writer, columnist, political analyst, presenter social media live show “Hum aur Aap” and Chairman V4HI.
Dr. Moonis stated that around 300,000 patriotic Pakistanis are languishing in Bangladesh camps for over five decades and are forced to have a miserable life. For one reason or another Pakistan government is avoiding owning them and bring back to Pakistan. He pointed out that there could have been a ceasefire in the 1971 war but under a conspiracy the Pakistan Army was forced to surrender to the Indian army.
Expressing his views, Mahmood Shaam said that Pakistan can never be completed without the leftover Pakistanis in Bangladesh camps. We got to get rid of the fear which is preventing to bring them to Pakistan. If these forgotten people are brought back, they will play a vital role in reconstruction and prosperity of Pakistan.
Chairman V4HI, Ehtesham Arshad Nezami speaking at the occasion said that it is regrettable to ignore the facts of history, in fact the non Bengalis were subject to atrocities by Mukti Bahini elements, killings of non Bengalis happened in large scale. At places, the non Bengalis taking refuge in mosques were also not spared. The third generation of stranded Pakistanis living under miserable conditions in Bangladesh camps, has grown up now with still no hope for any betterment. It is Pakistan’s responsibility to address their issue and find a solution in consultation with the government of Bangladesh. Voice for Humanity International (V4HI) is committed to highlight the real facts of happenings in East Pakistan in 1971 and make awareness about the present condition of Stranded Pakistanis.
Earlier, the general secretary V4HI, Azfar Shakil delivered the welcome speech giving brief introduction of V4HI. At the conclusion, Khalid Perwez, Director Pakistan Chapter V4HI, thanked the attendees for their participation. The event was conducted by Hamid Islam Khan, Director Pakistan Chapter V4HI.
The seminar was well attended by a full capacity audience. Chancellor SSUET, Jawed Anwar, along with Vice Chancellor and Registrar graced the occasion. Representatives of several organizations working for the cause of stranded Pakistanis and other welfare organizations in Karachi also attended this seminar. They included, Mumtaz Hussain Ansari, Ashraf Iqbal, Tariq Shoaib, Dr. Fayyaz Alam, Riaz Alam, Iftikhar Kamil and many others.
At the end of the event flower bouquets were presented to guest speakers Mahmood Shaam and Dr. Moonis Ahmar. Appreciation shields were presented by V4HI Pakistan Chapter to representative of different local welfare organizations.
