By Aziz Khatri
KARACHI: A ceremony was held in the city to honour presidential award recipient and former adviser to the Japanese consul general, Muhammad Azmat Ataka, in recognition of his services to cultural ties between Pakistan and Japan.
The event was organised by Halqa-e-Fikr-o-Nazar in collaboration with the Pakistan America Cultural Centre (PACC), with former federal minister for law and human rights Shahida Jamil attending as chief guest.
The programme opened with a recitation from the Qur’an by Assistant Commissioner (West) Imran-ul-Haq, followed by a naat presented by Prof Dr Sajida Parveen and Almas Nayab. In her welcome address, the chair of Halqa-e-Fikr-o-Nazar, Shahida Khurshid, said Ataka had played a key role in introducing Pakistan’s cultural heritage to Japan and strengthening relations between the two countries. She described the presidential award as recognition of his longstanding services and paid tribute to him through poetry.
Speaking on the occasion, Ataka congratulated the organisers and said such gatherings served as a source of encouragement and motivation.
Shahida Jamil said the award was a fitting acknowledgement of his contributions and praised the organisers for arranging what she called a dignified tribute to a distinguished figure. Prof Dr Sajida Parveen said Ataka had fulfilled his responsibilities with distinction and devoted his life to the service of humanity.
PACC president Makhdoom Riaz termed the evening a celebration of an accomplished personality, while several speakers, including Saleem Mughal, Sohail P Ahmed, Abdullah Feroz, Owais Adeeb Ansari, Wazahat Naseem and Farhana Owais, highlighted different aspects of Ataka’s personal and professional life.
They recalled his role in promoting Urdu haiku, supporting social welfare initiatives and mentoring colleagues and students over several decades. Friends and associates also spoke of his integrity, humility and lifelong commitment to cultural and educational work.
A large number of writers, academics and social figures attended the ceremony. At the end of the event, the organisers presented Ataka with a commemorative shield and flowers.
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