PFOWA organises fun filled fundraiser

Islamabad

The annual, well established, fun filled, fundraising bazaar organised by the Pakistan Foreign Office Women’s Association (PFOWA) was, as usual, a big success with hundreds of visitors arriving at the venue during the bazaar timings.

Men, women and children of all ages and from different walks of life came to have an outing that included shopping for out of the ordinary items and good food from the many stalls put up by diplomatic missions and Pakistani entrepreneurs. On top of this there was a cultural performance, something which can only be seen at this event as the diplomats come out to support the efforts of PFOWA with heart warming cooperation.

The programme began with the chief guest, First Lady, Mahmooda Mamnoon Hussain taking a round of the stalls and appreciating the efforts of those who were managing them, after which guests were seated and the formal proceedings began.

Addressing the gathering, president PFOWA, Najia Aizaz Ahmed outlined the aims and objectives of the organisation that works under the umbrella of the Foreign Office; thanked the foreign missions which took part by putting up stalls and participating in the cultural show, especially the Chinese embassy; the sponsors, of which there were many; her team of volunteers; the chief guest for taking out time and of course the Foreign Office for its help and support. “Without you all, this would not have been possible,” she said.

In his address Foreign Secretary, Aizaz Ahmed said -- speaking both in Urdu and English -- that the Foreign Office was proud to be affiliated with an organisation that not only worked for the welfare of their employees and helped those in distress after natural disasters but portrayed a positive image of Pakistan as well, with the motto ‘give in order to receive.’ He mentioned how Pakistani missions abroad collected funds and bought items to be sold at the bazaar and concluded by thanking everyone who had worked to make the bazaar a success.

The chief guest congratulated PFOWA for organising ‘the wonderful event’ as such activities give a boost to unconventional diplomacy and increases the cordial relations between different countries. She appreciated PFOWA’s role in social welfare activities and concluded by announcing a donation for the cause.

Formal speeches over the ‘Parade of Nations’ took place wherein the children of diplomats showcased their traditional colourful dresses, while waving the flag of their country. This was interesting as not many men and women of different countries wear their national/traditional dress anymore and we can only see it in pictures or films. Taking part in this were the missions from Azerbaijan; China; Jordan; Indonesia; Iran; Japan; Lebanon; Maldives; Myanmar; Palestine Philippines; Russia; South Korea; Sudan; Turkey; Vietnam and of course Pakistan. Apologies if the name of any country has been left out because it was sometimes difficult to hear them over the loud music!

The cultural show was another treat as members of the Russian embassy showcased, costumes, dance and music that gave a glimpse of Russia through the ages. Hats off to the participants for their lively and well coordinated effort! The second performance was by a Chinese troupe that had come especially for the occasion and needless to say their performance was as entertaining as it always is, with a variety of dance and song and colourful costumes.

A musical performance by a Pakistani band continued to entertain the crowds as they ate; shopped or sat around to enjoy the bustling atmosphere created by the everyone having a good time. “Everyone looks happy and cheerful,” said an American lady visiting Islamabad. “This is the image we rarely get to see and Pakistan should work harder to show it around the world.”

Pakistan Foreign Office Women’s Association (PFOWA) is a registered non political, social and charitable organization based in Islamabad and works with the following aims and objectives: To promote a better understanding of the social, cultural and economic life of Pakistan ; to play an effective role in social welfare activities and to raise funds for charitable purposes by arranging an Annual Fair and other programmes as may be agreed upon; to look after the welfare of the deserving among grades I-XV employees of the MFA, assisting them in the following fields, to the maximum extent possible: Education; Health Care; Widows’ Welfare; providing aid in times of national calamities and set up and operate training centres aimed at creating economic self-reliance.