celebrations
Bridal couture and high fashion set a vibrant tone for the Diplomatic Business Club’s grand celebration of Pakistan’s 78th Independence Day, held on August 13 at the Marriott Hotel’s Crystal Ballroom.
Bridal designer Seema Shah of S.S. Bridals presented a trousseau collection that celebrated Pakistan’s rich zari embroidery tradition, crafted on luxe fabrics such as chiffon, organza, and silk in vibrant festive hues, along with zari-infused self-print textiles. Her liberal use of zari lace - tracing necklines, hemlines, sleeves, as well as sari borders and pallus - transformed the ensembles into splendid works of art. The looks were completed with intricate bridal jewellery in contrasting tones, adding the final flourish that drew gasps of admiration from the audience as models glided down the runway in outfits that magnificently showcased Pakistan’s cultural heritage.
Present on the occasion was Muhammad Umar Shah, Chairman of the Diplomatic Business Club, along with the National Executive Council members who welcomed the Chief Guest, Mr Tariq Mustafa, Advisor to the Governor Sindh on behalf of Mr Kamran Khan Tessori, Governor of Sindh.
The evening commenced with heartfelt video messages from the Ambassadors of Japan, Zimbabwe, Thailand and most importantly, Palestine, extending their felicitations to the people of Pakistan and appreciating the Diplomatic Business Club for creating a platform for interaction between the business community and the diplomatic corps. A soulful rendition of Pakistan’s national anthem by schoolchildren from Z International School and The Academy followed.
In his remarks, Mr Kalim Farooqui, Patron-in-Chief of the Club, recalled the sacrifices and hardships endured by the people during Pakistan’s early days to achieve freedom. An impactful short documentary highlighted Pakistan’s vast potential.
A diplomatic fashion parade saw male diplomats in traditional Pakistani attire such as sherwanis and Jinnah caps, while their female counterparts showcased their native cultural dresses, while waving their country’s respective national flags. Those among the distinguished participants included Consul Generals and diplomats from Korea, Thailand, Indonesia, Iran, Sri Lanka, and the Honorary Consul General of the Philippines.
The Best Achievement Awards Ceremony honoured exceptional entrepreneurs and professionals from various sectors. Awardees included sports icons like Sarfaraz Ahmed (Captain, Quetta Gladiators & Former Pakistan Cricket Captain), business leaders M. Idrees Memon, Junaid Naqi Allahwala, Faisal Moiz Khan, Abdul Aziz Lakhani, Ahsan Mehanti, M. Hasnain Pardesi, Sarfaraz Akbar, Kumail Polani, Zeeshan Altaf Lohya, Fayyaz Falaknaz, Jawad Amin Khan, Fahad Wakeel, Siraj Iqbal, Zeeshan Saleem Zaki, Muhammad Fayyaz and Mrs. Samina Fayyaz, Saad ur Rehman, Muhammad Ibrahim Younus, social media celebrity Irfanul Haq (Irfanistan) and Ms Inaya Asaad.
Mr Tariq Mustafa extended heartfelt congratulations to the nation on its 78th Independence Anniversary. He reaffirmed that Pakistan’s political leadership stands united with its people in confronting every challenge that threatens the country’s progress, pledging collective resolve to ensure a more prosperous future.
The evening concluded with a cake-cutting ceremony by Muhammad Umar Shah joined by Mr M. Zubair Motiwala, Jawed Bilwani and diplomats from Indonesia, Iran, Korea, Thailand, Sri Lanka, and the Philippines, including HE Mr Teguh Wiweko, Mr Yi Sung Ho, Mr Surashete Boontinand, Mr Ghulam Abbas, Mr Wirun, and Dr Imran Yousuf, along with the Club’s leadership.
A sumptuous buffet dinner followed, fostering meaningful conversations and strengthening bonds between the diplomatic and business communities through networking.