By Waqar Naseem Wamiq
RIYADH — Pakistan ladies group Humnava organized its annual cultural day with pomp and galore at the Pakistan Embassy Hall in Riyadh.
Pakistani Ambassador Manzoor ul Haq graced the occasion as the chief guest with his wife Nighat Manzoor, the patron in chief of Humnava.
The embassy hall was decorated with the traditional Mughal décor for the event, which was attended by a large number of families. The stage was artistically designed with Mughal arches and colorful flowers. The majority of the audience was couples — men and women who elegantly dressed in traditional dresses.
Madiha Noman was the event coordinator.
The event comprised cultural and heritage programs and the promotion of national language Urdu.
The musical performance had a spectacular start with Dr. Farah Essa presenting the famous ghazal “Aaj janey ki zid na karo” to huge applause from the audience. She presented many other famous songs and ghazals of celebrity singers Abida Parveen, Nayyara Noor and others.
Talented singer Muhammad Asif Mughal also presented some famous songs.
Earlier, the event began with the recitation of some verses from the Holy Qur'an by Qari Naimatullah. Head of Chancery Shah Faisal Kakkar made the welcome note, highlighting the cultural diversity of Pakistan. He also talked about the importance of the national language of Pakistan, Urdu.
Dr. Erum Qalbani, general secretary of Humnava, conducted the event in a stylish manner. In her opening remarks, she was very upbeat about Humnava. “We are committed to bringing together Pakistani women. ... We had organized some great memorable events this year, including the Eid Milan party and the first ever projection of Pakistani movie in Saudi Arabia and we are looking forward to its continuity," she said.
President of Humanava Bilquis Safdar was very optimistic. “Humnava believes in women empowerment, we welcome and encourage ladies to come forward and participate with us. We are so thankful to our patron in chief Mrs. Nighat Manzoor and our chief guest Ambassador Manzoor ul Haq for their unconditional support in every cause of Humnava."
Shumaila Shahbaz Khan, vice president of Hamnava, also spoke on the occasion and thanked the distinguished guests. She resembled some of the classically dressed couples with the iconic Mughal prince Saleem and Anarkali.
Shumaila and Erum went into the audience with surprise gifts of flowers in response to their quick questions to the audience. Ambassador Haq was the first to respond a question and a got a flower from the hosts to present to his wife Nighat.
Nighat Manzoor lauded the efforts of Hamnava. “Their active role and continuous efforts to support and promote Pakistani women in the community is highly appreciable,” she said.
Ambassador Haq congratulated Humnava for arranging such a brilliant and colorful event. “I am so happy to attend such a lively event by the Pakistani women of Riyadh and I am thankful to them for inviting the men as well. Pakistan has diverse cultural roots but we are having a special cultural identity in the world,” he said.
Nighat Manzoor presented certificates of appreciation to some most beautifully dressed couples. A newly married couple in the traditional wedding costume was especially honored. The event ended with a sumptuous dinner.
