Karachi: The International Lawyers Forum (ILF), under the leadership of its Chairman Nasir Ahmed Advocate, commemorated Baba Guru Nanak’s 555th birth anniversary with a grand celebration in Karachi. During the event, Nasir Ahmed Advocate proposed the establishment of a 100-acre co- operative housing society for the Sikh community in Karachi. He further called for the abolition of the minority quota for parliamentary appointments, advocating that minority youths should be appointed based solely on merit. He argued that the minority quota often gets exploited by parliamentarians who "sell minority community names." Addressing the gathering, Nasir Ahmed stressed the need for Sikhs to be granted special permission to carry Kirpans (ceremonial daggers) across the country. The arrival of the ILF Secretariat was marked by loud patriotic slogans of Pakistan Zindabad and Kashmir Banega Pakistan, reflecting unity and solidarity. The event saw a warm reception for the Sikh delegation, with ILF members and civil society participants showering them with flowers, presenting bouquets, and garlanding them. The ceremony was attended by prominent leaders from various communities, including Maharaj Vijay Kumar, head of the Hindu Maharaj Council; Maharaj Ravi Chauhan; Maharaj Gopal; Father Asif of the Christian community; Sister Zareen and Sister Angelina; Menu Bhadia from the Parsi community; and Sikh leaders Sardar Dayal Singh, Sardar Hari Singh, and Sardar Panun Singh. Members of the Bahá?í community, including Khan Ehsan Khan, Suresh, and Sardar Anil Singh, also participated, representing the city’s diversity.
The ceremony opened with the national anthem of Pakistan, followed by Hardas (a special prayer) led by Garmukh Singh. Prayers were offered for the security of Pakistan, the freedom of Palestine, Gaza, and Kashmir, as well as for the martyrs of the Pakistan Army, Rangers, police, and other law enforcement agencies.
Advocate Jamshed Ali Khawaja expressed gratitude to the attendees and distributed sweets among
them. The program was skillfully conducted by Barrister Jafar Abbas Jafri, adding a harmonious and
respectful note to the memorable occasion.
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