Zubair Qureshi
Wives of foreign diplomats under the banner of the Islamabad Foreign Women’s Association (IFWA) organized an event ‘IFWA Gift Market’ displaying the traditional Pakistani art and craft.
First Lady Dr Samina Alvi was the Chief Guest on the occasion. Despite her aching foot, she visited all the stalls and took keen interest in the exquisite craftworks prepared and produced by the Pakistani craftswomen and displayed at the gift market.
IFWA President and spouse of the Italian ambassador Mrs Albana Planeja received the First Lady along with Mrs Aziz Boolani, wife of CEO Serena Hotels, Mr Aziz Boolani and other members of the IFWA.
“The proceeds of this gift market will go for the cause of charity to help women and children in need,” said Albana Planeja. The IFWA keeps organizing such fundraiser charity events to play a positive role in the community, she said.
Mrs Samina Alvi commended the IFWA’s efforts and held it was a good and positive initiative and both the private and the public sectors should join hands to promote the local art and craft. Through such events, we not only promote Pakistan’s indigenous crafts, we also support entrepreneurs and small businesses, she said.
There was a galaxy of Pakistan’s traditional crafts and masterpieces put on display, for example, the visitors took keen interest in the Cashmirie shawls , truck art, embroidered clothes, hand-made wooden pottery, articles of decoration, skin care items, handbags, rugs, jewelry and jewelry boxes, cane furniture, trolleys, baskets etc.
They also purchased cushion covers, paper cards, cloth bags, wall hangings, table covers, bangles, necklaces, chains and earrings. In addition, children’s toys and coloured stones were also among the attractions. The centre of attraction however, was the stall displaying Rose Aqua Brand. Founder and CEO of the brand, Daniela Saud said the sales would be used to help women of Chakwal.
Wives of the Ambassadors of Hungary, Japan, Belgium and other countries were also actively engaging with the visitors. Raffle prizes, kids’ activities and food were also among the highlights of the IFWA gift market.
