ISLAMABAD  - Pakistan Foreign Office Women Association (PFOWA) on Sunday held its annual ‘charity bazaar’ that turned out as a display of rich cultural blend of the diplomatic communities.
The event was held in collaboration with the diplomatic missions based in Islamabad to promote deeper social and cultural understanding and fostering friendship. Begum Nusrat Pervez, the wife of Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf, inaugurated the Charity Bazaar which was attended by wives of ambassadors, women diplomats and embassy staffers and people from all walks of life. Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Nawabzada Malik Ammad Khan was also present.
Addressing the gathering, Begum Nusrat Pervez appreciated the philanthropic activities of PFOWA, its cultural interface and social outreach.
She commended the foreign missions for bringing the cultural heritage and other aspects of their respective countries together at the event, reassuring their solidarity. She announced one million rupees for PFOWA, which generates funds for the families of retired employees of the Foreign Office.
President PFOWA, Shaista Jilani, the wife of Foreign Secretary Jalil Abbas Jilani, highlighted the organization’s objectives, future plans and projects.
She mentioned that the funds raised through the Charity Bazaar would be used for the scholarships of children of retired employees, and the needy families.
She said the Chinese ambassador had announced Rs one million as charity for PFOWA.
Earlier, Begum Nusrat Pervez accompanied by foreign dignitaries visited the stalls where the embassies had showcased their cultural artifacts. She showed keen interest in the handicrafts items and appreciated the cooperation extended by the embassies in holding the event.
The inaugural ceremony was followed by a colourful cultural show. The foreigners attired in their national distinctive costumes presented their traditional dances, expressing the richness of their respective cultures.
The performances included diplomats from China, Australia, Russia, India, Bangladesh and Pakistan.
The ‘International Food Court’ was another major feature of the event where food stalls were set up by embassies that offered a great choice of cuisine from different countries.

The funfair concluded with the raffle results and auction with proceeds donated to the PFOWA charity fund.