JEDDAH, 21 August 2005 — Leading Pakistani nationals have appealed to their government to look into the matter of stranded Pakistanis sympathetically and resolve this 34-year-old problem once and forever. They also supported Kashmiris’ right of self-determination.

The appeal was made at a function which was organized by the Pakistan Repatriation Council (PRC) to mark the 58th anniversary of Pakistan’s independence on Friday. Dr. Monawar Hashmi presided over the function. Pakistani Consul Rao Zulfiqar Ali was the chief guest.

Others who attended the function included Nazir Ahmed Qureshi of WAMY, Akhter Siddiqui, Azeez Ahmed, Asad Akram, Tariq Mahmood and Ghulam Nabi Butt. Poets Naseem Sehar, Abdul Qayyum Waseq and Zamurrad Saifi recited their patriotic compositions to set the mood of the evening. Hamid Islam Khan conducted the proceedings.

Fulsome tributes were paid to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Allama Iqbal for their contributions to the cause of Pakistan. Hashmi in his presidential address thanked PRC for organizing the function to mark Independence Day. He reminded the guests of the plight of Kashmiris and called for an early plebiscite to fulfill Jinnah’s dream. He also appealed for the repatriation of the Pakistanis stranded in Bangladesh and to end their misery.

Rao Zulfiqar Ali congratulated Pakistanis on their Independence Day and called for adherence to the teachings of Iqbal and vision of Quaid-e-Azam Jinnah to sustain the comprehensive development of Pakistan. He assured the gathering that Kashmiris’ struggle would not go in vain and they would soon get their legitimate right of self-determination.

PRC Convener Ehsanul Haque thanked the guests. He also highlighted the achievements Pakistan has made in all walks of life.

At the conclusion of the celebration, resolutions in favor of stranded Pakistanis and Kashmiris were adopted.