Diplomats come together for charity event

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Foreign Office Women’s Association (PFOWA) organised its annual charity bazaar on Sunday.

The bazaar featured special cultural performances as well as stalls set up by different embassies. The theme of this year’s event was ‘Parade of Nations’ and diplomats were adorned in their national costumes.

The PFOWA is a non-profit charitable organisation. “It is a unique platform that brings together spouses of foreign service officers and female diplomats for social outreach,” said Mehriene Qureshi, wife of Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi. The association has regularly organised annual bazaars, in collaboration with the Diplomatic Corps to raise funds and mobilise support for welfare activities.

The funds raised from the event are utilised for multiple programs, including educational support, stipends for widows, healthcare and emergency relief. Fauzia Gilani, wife of Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani, donated Rs1 million to support education of children of Ministry of Foreign Affairs employees.

“The spirit of this charity event and the manner in which it has been organised is indeed commendable,” Fauzia Gilani said. Mehriene Qureshi said, “Over the years, PFOWA annual bazaars have acquired a special place in Islamabad’s social calendar.”

Speaking to The Express Tribune, a Thai diplomat who has been in Pakistan for two years, and preferred not to be named, said, “Pakistan has so much potential in terms of tourism.

The international media has portrayed a very negative image of the country and such events show a brighter side.” John Cebra, from the United States embassy, said, “Such events are really good for meeting other members of the diplomatic community.” Singers Shehzad Roy and Jawad Ahmed performed at the charity event as well.