Egypt, the land of Akhenaten and Nefertiti

Egypt, the land of Akhenaten and Nefertiti

Dr. Jassim Taqui

When you speak about the Egyptian National Day, you have to mention the legendary leader late Gamal Abdel Nasser ( 23 June 1956-28 September 1970). For, he is  the leader of the 23^rd July revolution, the founder of Non-Aligned Movement and the undisputed leader of the Arab world.

Nasser won the hearts of the Egyptian and Arab people when he pursued an independent foreign policy, pursued social justice through the introduction of Islamic Socialism. Known as the most honest Arab leader, Nasser observed transparency that ensured no individual was above the rule of law and the writ of the State.

Nasser’s popularity in Egypt and the Arab world skyrocketed after his nationalization of the Suez Canal. He translated the sentiments of the Arab by urging them to unite, culminating with the formation of United Arab Republic with Syria (1958-1961).

Nasser heroically defended the Palestinian people and engaged with Israel in several wars to ensure the Palestinians exercise their inalienable right to self-determination.

When Nasser died on 28^th September 1970 as a result of massive heart attack, his funeral in Cairo drew five million mourners. And an outpouring of grief was noticed across the Arab world.

However, Nasser remains even today an iconic figure in the Arab world. He vigorously pursued social justice and Arab unity. He introduced modernization policies and anti-imperialist efforts. He encouraged culture and arts. As a result, Egypt witnessed in Nasser’s an unprecedented era of a cultural boom. He launched large industrial projects, including Aswan and Helwan City.

To celebrate the 64^th anniversary of 23^rd July Revolution, the  Egyptian Ambassador Sherif Shaheen and all diplomats and other staff of the Egyptian Embassy hosted a reception in the prestigious Serena Hotel, Islamabad. A large number of members of the diplomatic community, officials, MNAs, Senators and the elite of twin cities were in attendance. The chief guest was Raja Muhammad Zafar-ul-Haq who is a senator from Punjab and highly respected politician.

The atmosphere was serene. One could sense a state of festivity in the function. All credits to Ambassador Sherif Shaheen, who is the third senior diplomat in the Egyptian Foreign Affairs Ministry. He is a likable person; possessing pleasing personality  softness and charisma. He is kind, humble and social. During the function, he interacted with almost all his guests. You can never miss in any meeting with him the urge to cementing the bilateral relations between Egypt and Pakistan.