Islamabad
An entertaining Sunday morning, including prizes galore; music and shopping, was organised by the International Foreign Women’s Association (IFWA) to raise funds for the Pink Ribbon Campaign, which is now constructing a purpose built hospital in Lahore.
The event was held in the Serena Hotel, thanks to its policy of Corporate Social Responsibility (CRS) and attended by a large number of the capitals residents who came to enjoy the festive atmosphere that prevailed - and a chance to interact with the diplomatic community - reminding of the annual PFOWA bazaar but on a smaller scale!
Getting into the spirit of fundraising for a good cause, many diplomatic missions has put up stalls of food and refreshments, while some had set up stalls of handicrafts. There were also stalls of local merchants selling handicrafts - in addition to those of other entrepreneurs - making for a large variety of items to choose from. Videos of the sights and sounds of different countries were screened for those who were interested and the highlight of the event was the musical programme interspersed with draws for raffle prizes of which there were many, thanks to the generosity of different donors.
The first act was performed by the COMSATS Pak China Band, who sang a number of songs. They were followed by an instrumental on the ‘Guzhen,’ an Chinese musical instrument and finally came the envoys, led by the ambassador of Bosnia, Nedim Makarevic. They sang ‘Dill Dil Pakistan’ as their closing number much to the delight of the audience, some of whom joined in the chorus as we; as clapped to the catchy beat. Needless to say it was the most applauded number of the show!
Earlier welcoming the gathering, IFWA president Jasmina Makarevic thanked them for coming; supporting the cause and hoping they would have a good time, explaining that such events were a way for expats to give back and contribute to the community in which they live. Pink Ribbon CEO Omer Aftab thanked IFWA and said a few words about the Pink Ribbon campaign which deals with the issue of breast cancer, an affliction that is widespread in Pakistan.
After the programme Jasmina said a warm ‘thank you’ to the Serena Hotel, especially its CEO Aziz Boolani for providing the space and helping in the logistics; to the Committee Members of IFWA: Ayesha (Maldives), Mookda (Belgium), Sriratana (Thailand), Javaher (Palestine) and Diana (China); to all the embassies and high commissions for their support and a special thank you to the Chinese Embassy, which gave logistical support in a big way as well as the ladies from POFWA, who are always willing to support IFWA; to the World Food programme; to the companies ZTE, IBC, Huawei and Zong for donating for the lucky draw as well supporting the good cause financially and last, but not least the musicians - the Pak-China music group; Wu Yufei (instrumental) and the envoys.
It was a well organized affair and there were complimentary remarks from visitors who enjoyed the cuisine of different countries and went home with bags filled with shopping!
