Memorial ceremony at China Window marks his first death anniversary, honouring his contributions to journalism, banking, literature and social causes
TIMES REPORT
PESHAWAR: Provincial Adviser for Religious and Minority Affairs and prominent religious scholar Maulana Tayyab Qureshi has said that the late Syed Ali Nawaz Gilani made valuable contributions to strengthening Pakistan-China friendship, developing the banking sector and promoting journalistic and social activities. He described Gilani as a distinguished banker, journalist and sincere advocate of Pakistan-China friendship whose passing has left a void that will be felt for years to come. He was addressing a memorial ceremony held at China Window, the Chinese cultural and information centre in Peshawar, on Gilani’s first death anniversary. A large number of figures from journalism, banking, education, literature and social organisations attended the gathering to pay tribute to his life, personality and services.
Maulana Qureshi said Gilani’s life was marked by positive and constructive contributions across several fields. He worked with sincerity and consistency to strengthen Pakistan-China friendship, while his services to the Bank of Khyber remain unforgettable. His personality, he added, combined professional competence, intellectual and literary interests, and a strong commitment to society. He said Gilani’s father, Syed Hassan Gilani, was among Pakistan’s renowned journalists. Gilani successfully carried forward his father’s distinguished journalistic traditions while establishing his own identity through hard work and ability. His contributions continued a family legacy that placed great value on knowledge, writing and service to society.
The provincial adviser said Peshawar had produced numerous distinguished personalities whose abilities and contributions brought honour to both the city and the country. He regretted, however, that younger generations were often left unfamiliar with their achievements and struggles after their passing. Keeping their memories alive and passing on knowledge of their contributions, he stressed, was a shared responsibility. Commending China Window’s organisers, Maulana Qureshi described the ceremony honouring Gilani—a journalist, advocate of Pakistan-China friendship and former secretary of Pak-China Friendship—as a valuable initiative. Such gatherings, he said, do more than revive memories: they give young people an opportunity to learn about the lives, struggles and social contributions of those who came before them.
Others who addressed the ceremony included Fida Muhammad Khan Sarhadi and Tanveer Ahmad Nisar, founding members of literary and social organisations; senior journalists Zahir Shah Sherazi, Shams Mohmand and Sahibzada Naseemur Rehman; banker Rehmanullah Khattak; China Window Administrator Amjad Aziz Malik; Waqar Ahmad Awan; and University of Peshawar Additional Registrar Akhtar Amin. Highlighting different aspects of Gilani’s work, the speakers said that alongside promoting Pakistan-China friendship, he played a notable role in organising literary and social events. His activities brought people from different walks of life together and created opportunities for constructive dialogue.
They said his personality and achievements could not be confined to a single field. Banking defined his professional career, journalism formed part of his family and intellectual heritage, and Pakistan-China friendship represented a distinguished chapter of his service to society. In each field, he demonstrated his commitment through practical contributions. The speakers said the best way to honour figures such as Gilani was to preserve the record of their services, highlight their positive influence and carry forward the traditions of service and friendship to which they devoted their lives. The ceremony marking his first death anniversary, they added, was both a recognition of his contributions and a renewed commitment to ensuring that the memory and legacy of Peshawar’s distinguished sons remain alive for future generations.
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