Showcasing Pakistani culture in a function which has invitees from different countries in attendance is a good idea since there are no concerts or organized events of this nature taking place on a regular basis. So it was that well known alghoza maestro, Akbar Khameesu Khan was the star attraction at a function organized by the Pakistan Foreign Office Wives Association (PFOWA) to thank the ladies from the diplomatic community who participated in the annual fund-raising bazaar and helped to make it a success.
The programme began with president, PFOWA, Sadia Akram welcoming the ladies and appreciating their efforts for the fund-raising event. She explained why the bazaar is held - it is the main source of funds for helping the dependants of the foreign office staff with medical and educational expenses - and how this much-looked-forward-to event has become a tradition. The most important aspect of the bazaar is that it gives an opportunity to participants to display and sell their goods and showcase their culture, which is a big attraction for the Pakistani audience which throngs the venue.
Akbar Khameesu Khan, accompanied by Mohammed Rashid on the tabla and Mohammed Maqbool and Manzoor Ahmed on the tambourine, then played about half a dozen folk tunes on his alghoza, an instrument from Sindh which is also known as the 'beena' because it is like the flute (been). What made the show more enjoyable was the beautifully set-up stage, which had been decorated with Sindhi artifacts and a backdrop of a wooden screen draped with exquisitely embroidered 'chaddars' (sheets).
One of the NGO's working for the welfare of women and children, Mashal, organized a funfair at its welfare complex in Rawal Town which was attended by women and children of the community it serves. The courtyard of the centre was packed with excited visitors who came to relax and have a good time free from the worries of daily existence - and without having to worry about their men folk! Dressed in summer wear of all hues and designs, with enough bling to outdo the bright sunshine, they presented a picture of happiness, exuberance and freedom which was good to observe. These are the women who are the backbone of our society and if they are happy and enjoying themselves, all's well with the world and nothing is as bad as is portrayed!
Stalls had been put up and were 'manned' by dedicated, young at heart volunteers, most of whom have been with the NGO since it began nearly three decades ago, the working women among them cheerfully lending their support on their day off. Pakistani cuisine like paratha/kebab; chikar cholay; samosas; haleem and pakoras had been cooked at home and brought along to raise funds for the centre. A volunteer read palms while a pretty young girl from the community, Salma, applied henna. Sale of embroidered clothes and linen prepared at the centre was also featured and there were some 'worth acquiring' items among them. Entertainment included a variety show put up by the students and it was a source of pride for the mothers and other relatives of the girls who participated in presenting the programme, with everyone in general enjoying the performance.