PACC Hosts Ceremony Recognizing Azmat Ataka’s Services to Pakistan–Japan Friendship

By: Aziz Khatri 

 Karachi: Halqa‑e‑Fikr‑o‑Nazar and the Pakistan American Cultural Center (PACC) jointly organized a prestigious ceremony in honor of Presidential Award recipient and former Adviser to the Consul General of Japan, Muhammad Azmat Ataka.

The event was graced by former Federal Minister for Law, Justice, Human Rights, and Parliamentary Affairs, Shahida Jamil, who served as the chief guest. Distinguished speakers included Saleem Mughal, Abdullah Feroz, Sohail P. Ahmed, Owais Adeeb Ansari, Wazahat Naseem, and Farhana Owais.

The ceremony began with the recitation of the Holy Qur’an by Assistant Commissioner West, Imran‑ul‑Haq, followed by Naat recitations by Professor Dr. Sajida Parveen and Almas Nayab.

In her welcome address, Shahida Khurshid, Chairperson of Halqa‑e‑Fikr‑o‑Nazar, highlighted Azmat Ataka’s invaluable contributions toward strengthening friendship between Pakistan and Japan. She noted that Ataka played a pivotal role in connecting Japan with Pakistan’s rich cultural heritage, earning him national recognition through the Presidential Award. She also paid poetic tribute to him through her verses.

Expressing his gratitude, Muhammad Azmat Ataka commended the efforts of Shahida Khurshid and her team, stating, “Events like these serve as powerful sources of encouragement and motivation.”

Chief guest Shahida Jamil praised Ataka’s lifelong dedication to promoting bilateral ties and cultural understanding, calling his award “a well‑deserved recognition of outstanding service.” She also lauded the organizers for hosting such a meaningful event.

Vice President of Halqa‑e‑Fikr‑o‑Nazar, Professor Dr. Sajida Parveen, remarked that true to his name “Azmat,” meaning greatness, Ataka has carried his responsibilities with devotion and humility. She added that “Allah chooses certain individuals for the service of humanity — and Azmat Ataka is among those blessed few.”

President of PACC, Makhdoom Riaz, thanked Shahida Khurshid for arranging the ceremony and described the evening as “a celebration of a truly distinguished individual.”

Several speakers shared personal recollections. Farhana Owais recalled meeting Ataka during her time at PTV while covering a Japanese Dolls Exhibition, crediting his guidance for the success of her report. Saleem Mughal reflected on a friendship spanning over five decades, praising Ataka’s integrity and discipline — noting he never used official vehicles for personal use — and expressed pride in their family ties, as Ataka’s daughter Fatima is his daughter‑in‑law.

Wazahat Naseem acknowledged learning the Japanese language and Haiku poetry from Ataka, crediting him with initiating the Urdu Haiku Mushaira tradition — now in its 38th year. Sohail P. Ahmed described Ataka as a humble, noble, and compassionate individual devoted to his work.

Abdullah Feroz shared that when he was tasked with establishing a Burn Center at Civil Hospital, Ataka’s encouragement and prayers helped make possible the first donation of Rs. 5 million. He described Ataka as “an angelic personality” and prayed for his continued health and strength.

Owais Adeeb Ansari shared insights into Ataka’s personal journey — from arriving in Pakistan, embracing Islam, and adopting Pakistani culture, to marrying Asifa Ataka, niece of the renowned scholar Abul Khair Kashfi.

The event concluded with Shahida Khurshid and her team presenting a shield and flowers to Muhammad Azmat Ataka, followed by photographs and expressions of appreciation from attendees. Among the distinguished guests were Shahida Rizvi, Ayesha Shabab, Saleem Alam, Mehr Afroz, Shagufta Farhat, Hammad Ali, Behroze, Naseem Bukhari, Saeed Ahmed, Ruby Raza, Almas Nayab, Nazar Hussain, Naghmana Sheikh, Waseem Abbasi, Naeem Ahmed, and Assistant Commissioner West Imran‑ul‑Haq.

The evening marked a heartfelt celebration of Muhammad Azmat Ataka’s lifelong dedication to promoting cultural friendship, humanitarian service, and intellectual exchange.