Tribute to late Khalid Hameed Farooqi, former Bureau Chief of Geo News in Brussels

Renowned journalist, intellectual and former bureau chief of Geo News late Khalid Hameed Farooqi was paid homage by journalists, intellectuals, writers and poets for his precious journalistic and social services.

On the occasion of the second death anniversary, Pakistan Press Club Belgium organized an event at the European Headquarters in Brussels in collaboration with the International Council for Human Development (ICHD).

The event consisted of two parts, the first session was titled ‘Journalism and Diaspora’ while during the second session two books were launched and Khalid Hameed Farooqui was paid homage through poetry.

Ambassador of Pakistan to Belgium and European Union Amina Baloch and Press Consul of Pakistan Embassy Sagheer Ahmad Wattoo (Sagheer Anwar) and Khalid Hamid Farooqui’s wife Mrs. Ela Farooqui and daughter Maya Farooqui participated in the event.

Apart from this, a large number of journalists, intellectuals, writers and poets from Belgium, Holland, Germany, France and Pakistan also participated in this event.

The first session of the event was presided over by prominent intellectual Rao Mustajab Ahmed while the special guests were Khalid Hameed Farooqui’s long time friend Akram Qaim Khani from UK and Ali Raza Syed, Patron of Khaled Hameed Farooqui Trust.

At the beginning of the ceremony, Nadeem Butt, General Secretary of Pakistan Press Club Belgium welcomed the guests, while Chaudhry Imran Saqib, President of the Press Club, performed the duties of the association.

Addressing the ceremony, Rao Mustajab said that freedom of expression has been given in the constitution of Pakistan. This right has been given in every democratic country, but while using this right, it is also necessary to take care of the rights of others.

He praised Khalid Hameed Farooqi for his services and said that he was not only a professional journalist but he was also very sincere in his profession of journalism.

He said that a journalist is one who gives correct news and takes care of journalistic rules and regulations while compiling his report.

Akram Qaim Khani, a long-time friend of Khalid Hameed Farooq, said on this occasion that the role of journalists in the society is very important. True and sincere journalists do journalism based on truth and integrity for the correctness and reformation of the society.

Appreciating the truth and honesty of Khalid Farooqui, he said that the deceased did not abandon journalistic integrity even in difficult situations and encouraged other professional journalists.

Chairman Kashmir Council EU and Patron of Khalid Hameed Farooqui Trust Ali Raza Syed said that we cannot forget Khaled Hameed Farooqui. He stood by us in our ongoing struggle in support of oppressed Kashmiris in Europe. He always encouraged us and guided us through many important phases.

Among those who addressed the first session of the ceremony were former member of the Brussels Parliament Dr. Manzoor Zahoor, prominent journalist Younis Khan from France, intellectual Dr. Ali Shirazi, journalist Irfan Aftab from Germany, social and political figures Chaudhry Naseer and Faisal Zaidi, student Sardar Sulaiman from the UK. Khan, Khalid Hameed Farooqui’s journalist friend Hatim and Khalid Farooqui’s European class fellow Miss Bina from Holland were also present.

Meanwhile, a minute’s silence was observed on the death of Anthony Kerzner, former senior advisor of the Kashmir Council EU and former European senior diplomat.

The second session was presided over by Ambassador of Pakistan Amina Baloch while Ishrat Moin Seema and Syeda Saima Zaidi were the chief guests. A large number of women were present on this occasion.

The Ambassador of Pakistan appreciated the journalistic services of Khalid Hameed Farooqi in his conversation. Meanwhile, the poets who paid homage to Khalid Hameed Farooqi through their poetry included Yusuf Ibrahim, Nadeem But Dani, Adeel Shakir, Rubina Kausar Ruby, Adnan Mohsin, Har Hasnain and Saeed Anwar.

In the concluding phase of the second session, Chaudhry Imran Saqib introduced his poetry book ‘Radamal’ while Manzar Jahangir presented parts of his book ‘Bijhe Dil Di Chhan’.

On this occasion, it was also announced to establish a library in Brussels under the name of Khalid Hameed Farooqi, in which around 400 books of the deceased will be kept. Organized by Kashmir Council EU, this library will be open every Sunday from 5 pm to 8 pm.