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The International Ladies Potluck Group organised a colourful function to mark Pakistan Day recently.
The activities started with the playing of Pakistan's national anthem. The spouse of Pakistan Embassy Defense Attach` Irfan Taj was the chief guest on the occasion. Shriani Burley welcomed the guests.
The organisers presented Pakistan by putting up an exhibition that enthralled the audience. The objective of the event was to highlight Pakistan's rich art.
The rich heritage and culture have become a signature Pakistani identity, among expatriates and the Western world, for its vibrant presence.
The organisers chose Pakistani truck art to exhibit during the event. The truck art concept has come to life by being painted on handbags, shoes, tableware, decorative items and even doors and house gates.
This unique art form is finally being accorded the respect and admiration for the brightness it brings to the country. The event witnessed these distinctive pieces of art and people were able to purchase some of the attractive pieces.
After summarising the programme for the morning session, the chief organiser of the event, Samina Latif, invited Shehar Bano Rizvi, a local Pakistani blogger, keen photographer and explorer, to deliver a visual presentation of Pakistan.
Shehar Bano made a presentation on,"Pakistan — the land of Diversity". She showed the mosques, churches, temples and gurdwaras coexisting in close proximity, displaying diversity of culture, heritage and religion. She also demonstrated the diversity of the landscape, as Pakistan is one of the few countries blessed with mountains, rivers, deserts, forests and beautiful beaches.
Maryam Shahid, a Doha-based fashion designer, makeup artist and hairdresser, organised a fashion show to exhibit Pakistani traditional attires along with Western fusion, representing various regions of Pakistan.
A group of women from the Pakistani community came together to perform a traditional Pakistani dance, which was thoroughly enjoyed by the audience. The group came alive when the audience joined the ladies on the dance floor.
Any Pakistani social gathering is incomplete without food. The organisers invited talented culinary specialists to share their expertise and recipes with the audience.
Anam, who caters for parties and private gatherings, demonstrated a samosa recipe.
Amna Siddique, a highly skilled baker, shared a Pakistani cookie (Naan Khatai) recipe. The audience were then asked to taste the food prepared by the specialists.
A wide selection of Pakistani food was served on the occasion.
Some Pakistani restaurants came forward and generously sponsored the food so that the people could get a taste of Pakistani cuisine.
The organisers thanked Biryani Express, which provided delicious biryani and chaat, and also provided excellent service during the event.
The guests also enjoyed the fresh naan bread and chicken karahi provided by the Spice and Sizzle restaurant at Salwa Road. Every attendee was supplied a goody bag consisting of Pakistani sweets, samosas and cookies courtesy of Soghaat Sweets and Bakers.
There was a also display of Pakistani handicraft and souvenirs by the local vendors, Oriental Carpets, Today's Fashion and Zehra's handicraft.
Zehra showcased a wide selection of truck art items.
The guests enjoyed the shopping experience of Pakistani artefacts.
As part of ILPG tradition, the event was concluded by members wining prizes, generously provided by members of the Pakistani community and the businesses, Oriental Carpets, Today's Fashion, Zehra's handicrafts, Habib's Hair and Beauty and Amwaj Jewellers.
The organisers also thanked the regular sponsors of the event who included Swasdee Thai spa, Swasdee Thai Restaurant, Oryx Rotana and Salam Stores.
