ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s foreign secretary Sohail Mahmood applauded the diplomatic missions of Arab countries for passionately participating in a charity event organized in the federal capital on Saturday, saying their involvement highlighted the diversity of Islamic culture to the rest of the world.
Planned by the Pakistan Foreign Office Women’s Association, the event was inaugurated by Samina Alvi, the wife of the country’s president, after a gap of two years due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Diplomats and their families set up stalls of their countries where they arranged cultural performances and shared traditional cuisines with people.
The officials of the United Arab Emirates are briefing visitors about their products at a charity event in Islamabad, Pakistan, on November 27, 2021. (AN photo)
The stalls of the Middle Eastern embassies, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, captured the attention of visitors attending the charity event which was organized to raise funds for low-income staff members Pakistan’s foreign ministry.
“Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE and other important Gulf states have participated in this noble cause by setting up big stalls,” said the foreign secretary. “Along with this, they are also offering very good and substantial prizes in the raffle draws and other activities to support this event.”
“The diplomatic missions from different countries have brought their handicrafts, cuisines and other cultural things which put up a very beautiful mosaic here,” he added.
Visitors are posing for pictures in front of a traditional Saudi tent installed at a charity event in Islamabad, Pakistan, on November 27, 2021. (AN photo)
The embassy of Saudi Arabia set up a traditional Bedouin tent at the event which displayed handicrafts from the kingdom and served dates and Arabic coffee.
“This event has provided us a good opportunity to show the Saudi culture and traditions to Pakistanis as well as other countries,” the kingdom’s cultural attaché, Muhammad Abdulaziz Al-Madani, told Arab News.
“Pakistan is just like our second home since Pakistanis have always shown great respect and affection for Saudis,” he added.
Al-Madani maintained the love and understanding of Arab culture had increased in Pakistan due to such events, adding this was also evident by the gradually increasing number of Middle Eastern restaurants in Islamabad and other cities.
Jordanian embassy officials are briefing visitors about their products at their country’s stall at a charity event in Islamabad, Pakistan, on November 27, 2021. (AN photo)
Jordan’s envoy to Pakistan Ibrahim Al-Madani said the event had given people an opportunity to see the whole world in a small but colorful place.
“We set up our stall to highlight what Jordan actually looks like to visitors, whether they are from Pakistan or other countries,” he said. “We have been offering traditional Jordanian food which is presented by women in traditional clothes. We are also informing visitors about important tourist destinations in our country.”
Iraqi embassy officials are briefing visitors about their products at their country’s stall at a charity event in Islamabad, Pakistan, on November 27, 2021. (AN photo)
Asked about the event, Iraq’s ambassador Hamid Abbas Lafta said such projects were much needed in a society.
“We are serving the humanity by being here and participating in this great cause since this is a charity event,” he told Arab News.
Palestinian students and embassy officials are performing their traditional dance at a charity event in Islamabad, Pakistan, on November 27, 2021. (AN photo)
The initiative to arrange the event was also applauded the Palestinian envoy.
“It is an important occasion since we can present Palestinian culture to our Pakistani brothers and sisters,” said Ambassador Ahmed Rabei.
He added that Pakistan and Palestine were very close since every government in Islamabad had supported the Palestine issue at every world forum.
Visitors are posing for pictures in front of a traditional Saudi tent installed at a charity event in Islamabad, Pakistan, on November 27, 2021. (AN photo)
Yemen’s ambassador to Pakistan Mohammed Motahar Alashabi said he was happy to see so many people at the event since COVID-19 had almost made such gatherings impossible.
“It is an amazing event, providing a wonderful opportunity to people who want to gain information on different cultures from around the world,” he said.
