The International Women’s Group in cooperation with the Embassy of Pakistan and in line with social distancing guidelines, held an elaborate and informative ‘Pakistan Cultural Day’ Zoom event for members and guests; affectionately titled ‘Pyara (beloved) Pakistan’.
This very special event,meticulously planned by IWG’s past President, Ambreen Mustafa, wife of H.E Syed Sajjad Haider, Pakistan’s Ambassador to the State of Kuwait; covered many aspects of Pakistan’s natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.
The meeting commenced with an informative slideshow of some prominent trailblazing women of Pakistan in a variety of fields such as government, education, literature, science, economics, philanthropy, social activism and fine arts.
IWG’s current President, Cristiana Balducci, wife of the Ambassador of Italy, formally opened the event by welcoming participants and members.
Two short documentaries covering the many historical sites and breathtaking scenic beauty of Pakistan’s varied landscapes were shown, followed by a lively and entertaining quiz.
Aziza Khan, IWG board member, acting as MC introduced H.E Syed Sajjad Haider, Pakistan’s Ambassador to the State of Kuwait. In a pre-taped speech in front of a few socially distanced staff members, organizers and performers the ambassador spoke of the warmth and welcoming nature of the Pakistani people; its splendid historical sites; superb handicrafts and textiles; its natural beauty comprising of oceans; deserts; magnificent mountain ranges and home to K2, the second tallest mountain in the world.
In closing, H.E Syed Sajjad Haider, who will shortly be completing his tour of duty and returning to Pakistan, thanked the IWG board and all attendees for participating in the event. Expressing his gratitude at having been able to serve Pakistan in this wonderfully hospitable country of Kuwait, he reminded everyone of the direct flights to Pakistan and said that he and his wife look forward to reciprocating by welcoming them to Pakistan to enjoy its many offerings.
As a gesture of respect and gratitude, H.E Syed Sajjad Haider and Mrs Mustafa were then presented with shields of appreciation.
To the delight of the attendees, the meeting then continued with two musical segments, the first was a mesmerizing piece played on the Rubab, an instrument from the 17th century, followed by a dance presentation performed by the talented amateur ‘Hunza Troupe’ comprised of medical professionals working in Kuwait.
The graceful folk dance called Alghani or Ajoli is from the beautiful Northern region of Gilgit- Balistan (GB); Hunza a part of the GB region has a 100% literacy rate with a life expectancy rate of approximately 100 years, due to its clean mountain air and organic produce.
In closing, Ambreen Mustafa, wife of the Ambassador of Pakistan, explained that the original event had been planned as a physical meeting and was meant to create a lively street food scene representing delicacies from Pakistan’s four provinces. The idea was to take members and guests on a culinary and visual journey of the senses; she said : “however, the present Covid considerations did not allow us to welcome you with open arms and with warmth the way we intended, but we have tried to transfer as much of the program as possible on this Zoom format, and hope that we have succeeded in bringing you some of the color, flavor and enchanting beauty of our beloved Pakistan.”
