Saudi Gazette

JEDDAH — Pakistan Journalist Forum (PJF) hosted a farewell dinner for the outgoing veteran journalist Absar Syed at the resident of Ameer Mohammed Khan, chairman PJF recently.

The even began with the recitation of verses from the Holy Qur’an by Jamil Rathore, general secretary PJF. Ameer Mohammed Khan welcomed all the guests and participants. He thanked Absar Syed for sparing time to attend despite of his busy schedule.

Khan also congratulated him that he is leaving for Karachi as “Bureau Chief” of Urdu News after serving in Jeddah for 24 years as news editor. He said, “With the newcomers lacking as serious idea of what is journalism, there is a great need for journalists like Absar Syed in Pakistan.”

Chief Guest Arshad Munir, consular (Press) at Consulate General Pakistan Jeddah, praised and recognized the journalistic services of Absar Syed in his remarks. He described that Absar Syed is a responsible and cooperative personality. He further said that Absar has all those skills and the capabilities that should be evident in any good journalist.

Renowned scholar and news broadcaster of Saudi Radio Jeddah Dr. Mohammed Laiq ullah Khan said, “I found Absar not only a good journalist but also a good human being and a good Muslim. He has the abilities to forgive others and knew how to live with each other.”

Ramnarayan Iyer executive editor of Saudi Gazette said, “Absar Syed is a consummate journalist and have seen in him qualities that are found in few other peoples and he is not only a keen journalist himself, but is keen to teach others. He is a real journalist in every sense of the way.”

Absar Syed spoke about himself and revealed that he started journalism in 1972. At the beginning he worked in different newspapers as editor. He said, “I wanted to be a journalist from childhood. My father also trained me in this profession from the early days.”

He added, “ I am at this stage when I do not know any other work except journalism.”

He said, “I am happy that I am leaving with new assignment as “Bureau chief” of Urdu News in Karachi, Pakistan.”

He expressed his gratitude for editor in Chief, Tariq Mishkhas and other staff of Urdu News for their cooperation and support. A shield and gifts were also presented to him by PJF.