By Aymen Zaheer
RIYADH — Pakistani Ambassador Manzoor Ul Haq was all praise for the members of Ladies Chapter of Pakistani Writers Club – Riyadh (PWC-LC) while acknowledging and celebrating the contribution of women toward the beauty and color in life in any society. He was speaking as a chief guest on the occasion of a event hosted by PWC-LC.
The event and was hosted in the Chancery Hall of Embassy of Pakistan here. The Ambassador and his wife, Nighat Manzoor, also a chief guest, were in attendance. Dr. Sayyara Abdul Sattar and Mrs. Irum Amir were the guests of honor.
“Pakistani women have rendered countless services toward the development of our country and they are no less than men in any manner. We take pride in our women engineers, doctors, teachers, scientists, writers and artists,” Haq remarked.
He also added that the Ladies Chapter of PWC is a great union of talented ladies and their programs are always a delight to watch. He especially praised women writers in the Kingdom, namely, Qudsia Nadeem Lali, Tasneem Amjad and Ambreen Faiz and added that they were doing a great job in projecting a good image of Pakistan.
Nighat Manzoor too appreciated the efforts of the ladies of PWC-LC. She mentioned that the importance of women in the development of any society — or any nation — could never be ignored. “It is true that behind success of any women there is always a man — in most cases he is her husband and her father,” Nighat added.
The event was ably conducted by Madiha Malik (deputy convener of PWC-LC), Asma Tariq (advisor to convener), Shumaila Malik (finance secretary), Madiha Noman (event coordinator), and Almas Mumtaz (PRO).
The proceedings of the event got under way with the recitation of the verses of Holy Qur’an by Shumaila Malik and melodious Naat rendition by Almas Mumtaz.
Asma Tariq and Shumaila Malik together enlightened the audience about the formation of PWC-LC on Nov. 15, 2013 by the then President of PWC Faiz Al-Najdi. All members of PWC-LC then joined Farah Ehsan – the incumbent convener of PWC-LC who lit a candle – symbolizing the unity and strength among the members of PWC-LC.
Ambreen Faiz presented some beautiful verses from the collection of poets Parveen Shakir and Saghar Siddiqui, highlighting the importance of women in the society. Shumaila Malik also did the chores via her thought provoking poetry quatrains.
The duo of Asma Tariq and Madiha Noman showcased a live-painting and draping on a volunteer model — Miss Laiba.
Madiha Malik, Qundeel Aymen along with a bunch of young girls — Hafsa, Mahnoor, Mariam and Fatima — stage-played a thought-provoking mime which was received huge appreciations from the audience.
Shumaila read out a beautiful Punjabi poetry entitled “Kikli”. Qundeel Aymen and Almas Mumtaz — supported by Aleena and Mahnoor — enacted the message conveyed in the poetry.
Finally, a satire and humorous skit was performed by the group of PWC-LC members that included Farah Ehsan, Dr. Farah Nadia, Qundeel Aymen, Asma Tariq, Madiha Noman, Almas Mumtaz and Hafsa Ehsan, which was applauded by the spectators.
Towards the end of this event, the two guests of honor Dr. Sayyara and Mrs. Irum Amir, appreciated PWC-LC for hosting such an entertaining event.
The added attraction was a thrilling musical evening with a courtesy performance by maestro Aqib and his ML Studio band.
Farah Ehsan extended her thanks to the chief guests and the guests of honor for attending. She also had words of praise for all members of PWC-LC. Memento shields were awarded to Nighat Manzoor, Dr. Sayyara Abdul Sattar and to Mrs. Irum Amir.
Abdul Rauf Mughal, president PWC, also expressed words of praise for the Ladies Chapter for a successful event. He thanked all guests, officers from the Embassy and members of the media for attending this event and gracing the occasion.
