New book traces arrival of first Pakistani expats
Doha-based Pakistani columnist Ashraf Siddiqui has launched a book Together for Excellence that studies the relationship between Qatar and Pakistan
The 334-page book, in English, is the first-ever book that documents the historic ties between the two countries and tracks the first few Pakistanis who set foot on Qatar’s shore way back in the 1950s.
Opening with a section on ‘Qatar at a glance’ that lists such wide-ranging information as ministry listings, government agencies, code of conduct, economy, business, health, trade and even historic pictures of the peninsula, the 60-page section gives way to an all-encompassing mini-encyclopaedia on Pakistan that includes quick facts, history, industries, world heritage sights, tourism, and legends from the 5,000-year-old region.
Additionally, Qatari organisations like Reach Out to Asia, Qatar Charity, Eid Foundation, various banks, which have been involved in Pakistan also feature.
It also enlists a comprehensive list of businesses with Pakistani ownership and Pakistani professionals in all sectors in Qatar.
But perhaps, the most interesting part of the book is an effort by Siddiqui to inquire about some of the earliest Pakistani settlers in Qatar and narrate their stories in a section ‘Pakistani expatriates in the Early Period’.
An excerpt reads: “Passengers of the ships used to disembark at the Umm Saeed Port (now Mesaieed) in the 60s. Boats used to bring these passengers and cargo to the shore. The ship fare from Karachi to Qatar was Pakistani Rupees 68 during the 50s and 60s and was increased to Rs100 in the 70s.”
Interesting facts here include stories such as that of Mushtaq Ahmed and many others. Ahmed is a trader who arrived in Qatar via Karachi on March 9, 1955. He has been living in the same house at Al Asmakh for the past 45 years.
Life in Qatar then, crime rate, food prices and government working hours then also make their way into the pages.
The book ends with a section on Pakistani social and professional organisations in Qatar, their contribution, major achievers and dozens of pictures.
Ship passengers on the main deck of Dwarka near Qatar, 1979.
Source : Gulf Times
Link : http://gulf-times.com/site/topics/article.asp?cu_no=2&item_no=295372&ver...
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An excellent effort and research by the writer Mr.Ashraf Siddiqui. It will indeed highlight the traditional and cultural and long standing realtions between the two nations.
Now I need to know where to grab a copy of this book. Must be an interesting read.
