Naeemuddin
KARACHI: A wide spectrum of journalists, intellectuals and public figures gathered at a commemorative event organized by the Karachi Editors Club, where speakers paid rich tribute to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, describing him as a charismatic leader, a symbol of resistance and a guiding force for the Iranian nation and the wider Muslim world.
The event, held at the Scouts Auditorium, brought together senior members of the media community and policy thinkers who reflected on Khamenei’s political journey, ideological influence and the enduring impact of his leadership.
Speakers unanimously noted that Ayatollah Khamenei’s leadership was rooted in ideological clarity and strategic foresight. They said he consistently upheld principles he believed to be just, even under intense international pressure, guiding Iran through some of its most challenging periods.
They further observed that his leadership ensured continuity of the revolutionary vision of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, maintaining political stability and national cohesion despite sanctions and geopolitical tensions.
These views were expressed by Mubasher Mir, Manzar Naqvi, Hasan Habib, Dr Asghar Zaidi, Brigadier (R) Karrar Hassan and others while addressing the ceremony held at the Sindh Boy Scouts Auditorium in Karachi. Several prominent personalities, including former Daily Jang editor Nazir Leghari, Javed Malik, Iqbal Jamil, Ahmed Malik and Naeemuddin, were also present.
Former FBR chairman and noted economist Shabbar Zaidi, in his address, said that during his visit to Pakistan, Ayatollah Khamenei described Lahore as the city of Iqbal at Shalimar Bagh and spoke extensively on Iqbal’s poetry. “He spoke for nearly one and a half hours on Iqbal, which reflects his deep admiration and intellectual connection with the poet,” Zaidi said. He added that Khamenei was a great personality whose services would remain a guiding light for both the Iranian nation and Muslims worldwide.
He said that by following Imam Khomeini’s path, Khamenei demonstrated to the world that no power can stop a person who stands for truth. He highlighted that Khamenei projected the dignity, courage and awareness of the Iranian nation globally, and today even major powers recognize that faith has enabled a smaller country to stand against a superpower like the United States and confront Israel.
Zaidi further stated that nations that remember their benefactors earn global respect. Referring to the Iranian Revolution, he said the people had grown weary of a repressive monarchical system where democracy did not exist and authority was concentrated in one ruler. Imam Khomeini’s struggle led to the system’s transformation, creating a new awareness among the people.
He added that the Iranian nation today stands united behind its leadership and has successfully countered the designs of its enemies. Contrary to expectations that Iran would collapse after Khamenei’s martyrdom, the country remained stable. He remarked that even the United States has begun seeking agreements to avoid confrontation, indicating an attempt to exit the conflict.
He also claimed that intelligence officials in Israel had once acknowledged involvement in or prior knowledge of major global incidents, suggesting a broader role. He said the Iranian state fulfills the needs of its people, which is why the nation stands firmly with its leadership against external forces.
Zaidi noted that Iran has a highly educated population, with many parliamentarians and ministers holding PhD degrees. As an economist, he said the Iranian system emphasizes equality and supports the middle class, contributing to its stability.
Former federal minister and intellectual Aniq Ahmed said that Ayatollah Khamenei, through his wisdom and dedication, led the Iranian nation along the path of Imam Khomeini. He added that this is why the nation remains united and confronts its enemies with faith and determination. He said any nation possessing such qualities can effectively resist imperial powers.
He said the purpose of the gathering was to highlight the achievements and importance of a leader whose strategic thinking earned him global recognition. He added that his influence was so profound that adversaries could not tolerate his presence and ultimately targeted him.
He said Khamenei instilled a consciousness in the Iranian nation that cannot be forgotten. Describing him as a powerful leader, thinker and religious scholar, he said his achievements are too vast to fully describe. He credited Khamenei with uniting the youth, whose energy and vision continue to shape Iranian society.
He added that Khamenei demonstrated how a nation can stand up to global powers despite widespread fear. He said the United States underestimated Iran’s strength and public support, believing that eliminating Khamenei would destabilize the system and trigger internal unrest. However, this assumption proved incorrect.
Prominent intellectual Dr Asghar Zaidi said that Iran’s wartime strategy has been commendable. He noted that after the fall of a non-Islamic regime, Imam Khomeini established a system that created awareness among the people, which continues today. After him, Khamenei carried forward that vision and led Iran into a modern era.
He said Iran has made remarkable progress in education, producing a large number of engineers, doctors and PhDs. However, he added that despite these achievements, Iran has not progressed economically to its full potential, largely due to sanctions, and has made significant sacrifices under these restrictions.
He emphasized that wars are never beneficial and result in losses for all sides. Iran, he said, has suffered economic, military and human losses in the current conflict but has shown resilience and continued to confront its enemies.
Referring to historical parallels, he cited the example of Karbala, stating that while defeat may appear temporary, moral victory and legacy endure. He expressed hope that Iran remains united and continues to progress, urging Muslim countries to support it.
He also appreciated the Pakistani government’s efforts for regional peace and said such efforts should continue. He added that much can be learned from Khamenei’s life and urged people to follow his principles.
In his concluding remarks, Secretary General of the Karachi Editors Club, Manzar Naqvi, thanked participants and highlighted Iran’s response to recent geopolitical challenges. He noted that Iran’s strategic capabilities, including advancements in missile technology, have reinforced its standing globally and surprised many observers.
The event concluded with participants agreeing that Ayatollah Khamenei’s legacy will continue to influence political thought and leadership discourse for years to come.
