Dallas: South Asia Democracy Watch (SDW) organized a memorial event in Dallas to honor the late Dr. Qaiser Abbas. The event was attended by a large number of social activists, community leaders, and prominent figures from the Pakistani and South Asian communities. Dr. Abbas’s wife, Dr. Saleha Suleman, along with their two sons, Shehryar Ali Rizvi and Sheherzad Ali Rizvi, were present to pay tribute to his legacy. The event served as a heartfelt homage to Dr. Abbas’s academic, journalistic, and social contributions.
On this occasion, the Texas State Assembly, through State Representative Terry Meza, presented a special recognition certificate to Dr. Saleha Suleman and her sons in acknowledgment of Dr. Abbas’s outstanding services to the Texas community. SDW President Ameer Makhani presented the certificate and praised Dr. Abbas as a leader who dedicated his life to promoting peace, interfaith harmony, and social welfare. He highlighted Dr. Abbas’s leadership qualities and his passion for fostering cultural and intellectual dialogue, which played a crucial role in strengthening positive connections between diverse communities.
During the event, Ameer Makhani introduced the board members of SDW, including Aftab Siddiqui, Raja Zahid Khanzada, and Syed Fayaz Hassan. They all paid tribute to Dr. Abbas and reflected on his exemplary character. They spoke about his relentless efforts to facilitate dialogue on crucial social and political issues. His dedication led to the organization of significant programs such as the conference on the “State of Minorities in South Asia,” a lecture on “Genocide” led by Nobel Laureate Professor Amartya Sen, the annual “Asma Jahangir Memorial Lecture,” and various conferences addressing issues like women’s rights. These initiatives are a testament to his unwavering commitment to human rights, equality, and social justice. Dr. Abbas’s wife, Dr. Saleha Suleman, shed light on different aspects of his life, highlighting his academic and professional achievements. She shared that Dr. Abbas earned his master’s degree from Punjab University, where she was also his fellow student. Later, both pursued their Ph.D. at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in the United States. She added that Dr. Abbas served as a professor and administrator at prestigious American educational institutions, providing students with opportunities to excel academically. He also organized international conferences on Sufism and peace in South Asia and the Middle East and established the “Awan-e-Urdu” in Florida to promote Urdu literature and poetry. His deep love for the Urdu language was evident in his work, and he remained dedicated to literary and cultural endeavors. Dr. Saleha further mentioned that Dr. Qaiser Abbas authored three books, showcasing his intellectual and literary depth. His works include a poetry collection, a research study on television’s social role, and a compilation of analytical essays on literature and thought. His writings encouraged meaningful discourse on media, culture, and literature, leaving behind a lasting scholarly legacy. Dr. Aamir Suleman, founder of “Urdu Ghar,” also spoke at the event and highlighted Dr. Abbas’s contributions to the promotion of Urdu in North Texas. He noted that through “Urdu Ghar,” Dr. Abbas provided a platform for Urdu literature enthusiasts, uniting literary circles with his efforts. Thanks to his contributions, Urdu language lovers found a space to express their thoughts and play an active role in its growth. The event concluded with a special prayer (Fatiha) for Dr. Abbas’s soul, led by Aftab Siddiqui. Attendees remembered his remarkable services and reflected on the void left by his passing. Ameer Makhani thanked all the participants and stated that Dr. Abbas’s memory and mission would always remain alive. His contributions to education, culture, and social work have laid a foundation that will continue to guide future generations.ScreenshotScreenshotScreenshotScreenshotScreenshotScreenshotScreenshotScreenshotScreenshotScreenshotScreenshotScreenshotScreenshotScreenshotScreenshotScreenshotScreenshotScreenshotScreenshotScreenshot
