 |
| |
WEEKLY
SECTIONS |
 |
|
 |
| Exhibition of Pakistani handcrafts at Egyptian embassy |
|
|
|
Monday, August 03, 2009
Ishrat Hyatt
Islamabad
When expatriates who come to Pakistan for a short while show their concern for the welfare of the underprivileged of this country by doing something to help, it gives you a warm feeling and the realisation that they truly care. Why else would they bother to go through all the trouble?
To give more meaning to their National Day celebrations and to show their brotherly feelings for the people of Pakistan, the embassy of Egypt in Islamabad organised an exhibition and sale of Pakistani handicrafts from all over the country dedicated to the displaced children’s school project — Taxila Valley School — managed by the Capabilities Welfare Trust. The exhibition was held in the Kings Valley Hall — the entrance to which had been decorated with banners with scenes from ancient Egypt - and showcased handicrafts as well as gems and jewellery and a few clothing items like shawls. Inside the hall, Pakistani musicians played lively folk tunes on the ‘gharra’ (pitcher) and sitar, while a video presentation gave details about the school, its educational and outdoor activities and how it can be supported by donations or sponsoring a child. Showcasing the expertise of our artisans were items made from stone, intricately carved and beautiful; marble vases and goblets — which proved to be very popular — decorative items like hand fans, wall hangings, cushions etc: A mobile phone company had set up its stall and their attraction was a raffle with the prize being a phone, complete with a connection.
The members of the embassy had set up a stall of some very beautiful items from their country, the kind people bring home from their visit to this land that has some of the biggest tourist attractions in the world. Ashtray and bottle openers; decoration items and a fabulous chess set, which had a high price but was well worth it for those who are addicted to the game, what with the kings, queens and other pawns painted in the likeness of real ones! Egyptian sweets and a cold drink ‘karkade’ were the only food items on sale and this cool and refreshing Egyptian national drink, made from dried hibiscus flower petals, was very welcome in this hot and humid weather.
The exhibition was inaugurated at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday and continued from 11:00 a.m. till 10:00 p.m. at night on Sunday — for which the members of the embassy deserve appreciation, as it’s not an easy task in this weather!
|
|
|
| Back
| Send
this story to Friend | Print
Version |
|
|
|
ISSN 1563-9479 
