Tributes paid to founder of ‘Mashal’

Islamabad: To pay tribute to a loved personality of the capital and founder and president of ‘Mashal Association,’ Shahida Azim, a reference was held at the Islamabad Club and was attended by family; friends and members of the association - an NGO working for the uplift of under privileged women and children in and around Islamabad. Moderating the event was Sufia Shahid, who clarified that she was there not as an MC but as a friend. A video showcasing significant moments of Shahidas life was screened for those waiting for other attendees to arrive.

Murad Jamil, who hosted the event, began the proceedings by speaking about his own experience of knowing Shahida and his interaction with her over the years after which Sufia paid her own tribute. In between talking to the speaker’s, she also read excerpts from Shahida’s book – a semi autobiography of her life - written in Urdu and lovingly scripted, which gave an insight to her sense of humour and love for family and friends.

The first person to pay tribute was Saana Mehmood (like a daughter) – who read a poem she had written for the occasion. She was followed by Shahida’s younger daughter, Naheed Qureshi; longtime Mashal member and friend, Sajida Afzal; another person in the same category, Dr. Shamim Zaidi who also read a poem, for which she received accolades; AVM (r) Altaf Shah who recalled the days when he was posted in the Pakistan embassy in Washington during General Ajaz Azim’s tenure as ambassador and his interaction with the couple; Joint Secretary, Speaker's Chamber, Shamoon Hashmi (also an anchor person) who said Shahida lived up to her name ‘azim’; Shireen Najeeb, a neighbour; well known artist, columnist, TV show director, puppeteer, script writer, Farooq Qaiser and her younger daughter, Tallat.

While family members recalled their years of growing up and after, friends and colleagues spoke of Shahida’s affectionate ways and the mannerisms which endeared her to all those who knew her or came in contact with her. The result was a mix of emotional outpouring - their words confirming the fact that she was a loving and caring person who always cheered up those who were feeling low; encouraged women to be strong and cared for the underprivileged.

Other tributes that added to the mood of the occasion were a voice message from friend Attia Shujat; emotionally charged, Shahidas grand daughter, Sarah Qureshi sang ‘Abhi tau mai jawan hoon,’ a song Shahida used to love to sing the opening lines to lighten a situation and make listeners smile, while young granddaughter, Zohra Azim read a poem she had written, 'What it means to be an Azim.'

In conclusion, Shahida’s family and friends vowed to carry on the legacy she has left behind. ‘Mashal’ is an NGO founded in 1987 working for the uplift of under privileged women and children in and around Islamabad.