To say goodbye to two committee members of Islamabad Foreign Women’s Association (IFWA) — Tulay Soysal and Natalia Stigelbauer — a lunch was hosted by Vice-President IFWA Nariko Prati, wife of the Ambassador of Italy, at her residence.
The event was attended by other IFWA committee members, who have not yet left for summer vacations - Umi Khalthum Jalil (Brunei), Radife Akcura (Turkey), Nemat Rrhaime (Lebanon), Nur Hayati Shahizan (Malaysia), Azzah Konpaz (Syria), Anchalee Piromnam (Thailand), and advisers Fauzia Memon, Dr Shamim Zaidi and Zohra Salimullah - and a few other ladies, who support the
Association, including Dr Jiang Yili, wife of the ambassador of China.
In her brief speech, the hostess thanked both the committee members for their help - Tulay for looking after cultural affairs and hosting many fundraising coffee mornings at her residence, sometimes generously providing the venue and at others, a recital to entertain the ladies, while Natalia for visiting numerous offices and projects, and recommending those who should receive the monthly donations given by IFWA each month, a difficult task cheerfully performed.
While Tulay is leaving because her husband has completed his term in Pakistan, Natalia has to leave, as her son is at a crucial stage in his schooling and she needs to be with him. “I have come to love the country and will miss my friends.” This was a very positive remark from someone, who was unhappy to come here in the first place, for she had heard so many negative things about Pakistan and on top of that had all her personal luggage stolen upon arrival! Both women have been very active and interacted well with the local community, so they, too, shall be remembered with affection.
Nariko then presented a cheque of funds, collected at the colourful Malaysian morning, held at the residence of the high commissioner of Malaysia courtesy his wife, Noor Hayati Shahizan - someone with an ever pretty smile on her face. The recipient of these funds was an NGO, human relief organisation.
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of a silver plaque to each of the two guests of honour as a token of appreciation for their help as well as a reminder of their days with the Association.
With the business part over, a brief but delightful interlude of music was provided by Lynley Ruth Butt, who sang a sweet little song about love and friendship, accompanied by Elita Kazmi on piano. Lynley said she had heard the song - originally sung by Marion Anderson - when she was 15-years-old and it had always captivated her, so she would try and sing it - which she did and that too quite well!
Italian culinary delights were served for the buffet lunch, which was a leisurely affair. The invitees enjoyed the specialties, discussed recipes and exchanged views about who was doing what to help the IDPs and how best to go about getting involved.
