JEDDAH: The Jeddah-based Pakistan Repatriation Council (PRC) hosted the 76th anniversary of Pakistan’s Lahore resolution of March 23, 1940.
Ali Al-Ghamdi, former diplomat, presided over the function and guests included Maqboolur Rahman Abbasi, Tayyab Mosani, Shamsuddin Altaf, Mohammad Akram Agha, Zubair Ahmed, Mohammed Akram, Syed Naseeruddin, Mohammed Khaled Jawaid, Syed Wasi Imam, Owais Akram, Naushad Usman and Mohammed Ashfaq Badayuni.
In his presidential address, Al-Ghamdi said on March 23, 1940, thousands of Muslims and their leaders, headed by Quaid-e-Azam Mohammed Ali Jinnah, gathered at Lahore in which Fazlul Haque’s resolution for creation of a separate country for Indian Muslims was unanimously approved.
He praised the role of Allama Iqbal and other leaders for the success of the movement for a separate state. “We always pray for its success, integrity and solidarity, since it gives strength to Ummah,” he said.
Al-Ghamdi said he studied in Karachi, Pakistan, in the late 1970s. “That was the best part of my life.” He said it is the primary responsibility of Pakistan to arrange for the repatriation of those stranded in Bangladesh and settle them in Pakistan.
Shamsuddin Altaf, speaking in Arabic, suggested that government should establish a commission to organize the repatriation and rehabilitation of Pakistanis stranded in Bangladesh.
Maqbool Abbassi said the Lahore resolution was in fact the result of Indian Muslim shoura (consensus) and that resulted in the establishment of Pakistan under the leadership of Mohammed Ali Jinnah. He urged Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to issue passports to Pakistanis stranded in Bangladesh.
Mohammad Akram Agha praised the leadership of Quaid-e-Azam and hoped the country would get a similar leader to bring Pakistan on the track of his mission.
Mohammad Tayyab Mosani paid rich tributes to Jinnah and said: “We failed to achieve his mission for Pakistan.”
Mohammad Ashfaque Badaoyuni said: “Pakistan is our motherland and we should not abuse it.”
PRC convener Syed Ehsanul Haque said Pakistan was created on the basis of two-nation theory, so Muslims from India migrated to East Pakistan and not to Bangladesh. He said on that basis Kashmir should be part of Pakistan and stranded Pakistanis in Bangladesh should be brought to Pakistan.
The function began with the recitation of the Holy Qur’an by Qari Abdul Majeedi. Poet Syed Mohsin Alavi and Zamurrad Khan Saifi presented poems on the struggle of Pakistan.
Sher Afzal rendered the national song of Pakistan. Saifi conducted the proceedings.
PRC event marks Pakistan National Day
PRC event marks Pakistan National Day
Balad Beast brings global beats to historic streets
- ‘MDLBEAST put us on the international map,’ say Saudi electronic duo Dish Dash
JEDDAH: The music festival Balad Beast concluded its fourth edition this weekend, having transformed Jeddah’s UNESCO World Heritage district of Al-Balad into an open-air celebration of music, culture and creativity that attracted thousands of music lovers over two nights.
The festival, organized by Saudi music platform MDLBEAST, featured more than 70 local, regional and international artists across four stages, offering audiences a diverse journey through electronic, hip-hop and global sounds.
Speaking to Arab News, MDLBEAST chief creative officer Ahmad Al-Ammary, also known as DJ Baloo, described Balad Beast as a “cultural takeover” adding that finding the right spaces for dance floors was a challenge, “but Balad is constantly evolving and we work with that change.”
Addressing the challenges of working in a heritage area, he said: “Balad is sensitive and condensed, so logistics can be complex. In our first year, heavy rain flooded one of the planned squares and we had to relocate the Souq Stage to a much smaller space, but it worked and it has remained there ever since.
HIGHLIGHT
Reggae superstar Shaggy noted that the reality of playing live in Saudi Arabia often surprises those who arrive with preconceptions.
“Yes, the alleys are narrow and the district is old, but they’re full of ideas, patterns, colors and visuals. Everything flows here,” he continued. “As a festival, it’s hard to define Balad, because it gives so much of itself creatively. It’s incredibly generous with its ideas and details, and inspiration comes from everywhere.”
Balad Beast featured performances from international artists including US rapper Playboi Carti, making his first appearance in Saudi Arabia; US rapper Destroy Lonely; Swedish DJ and producer Alesso; and Bosnian-German DJ Solomun on the opening night. The following night saw French-Haitian singer-songwriter Naïka, reggae superstar Shaggy, Dutch DJ Franky Rizardo, British DJ Pawsa, and US rapper Tyga, and more take the stage, while Saudi and regional artists including Cosmicat, TUL8TE, Zeina, Vinyl Mode, Moayed, Dish Dash, Musab, Varoo and HiFi appeared across the festival, offering audiences a mix of global and local talent.
Saudi electronic duo Dish Dash reflected on the festival organizer’s impact for local artists.
As a festival, it’s hard to define Balad, because it gives so much of itself creatively. It’s incredibly generous with its ideas and details, and inspiration comes from everywhere.
Ahmad Al-Ammary, MDLBEAST chief creative officer
“MDLBEAST put us on the international map,” the brothers told Arab News. “It helped us get recognized by festivals, promoters and event organizers abroad. When we travel, people don’t expect this level of talent coming from Saudi Arabia, especially considering we didn’t have this scene before.”
Shaggy, who performed a hit-filled set during the festival, told Arab News: “I’ve been blessed with some incredible songs, and I see music as a gift and a tool for service. When I go on stage, I’m there to entertain people, to make them smile and feel good, but that service also supports many livelihoods from the people working at this festival to those who work with me. These songs have become part of people’s lives, and I don’t take that lightly.”
Shaggy also noted that the reality of playing live in Saudi Arabia often surprises those who arrive with preconceptions.
“I’ve performed in Saudi Arabia more than once, and while there are certain rules that are different, it’s not an issue for me. My focus is always on delivering the hits and giving the audience a great time,” he said.
“There’s a big misconception. People have more freedom than (outsiders) think. Everyone has been extremely nice.”
Asked what advice he would offer to aspiring artists, Shaggy said: “Understand that what you’re given is a gift and a form of service. Stay humble, do the work, and remember why you’re doing it.”
As Al-Ammary noted, there are many such aspiring artists now making a name for themselves in the Kingdom.
“Talent is emerging everywhere, at different levels,” he said. “The scene is still in a mysterious and surprising phase. There’s a rawness to it.”
