JEDDAH — Helping Hand Group (HHG), a charitable organization of Pakistani women living here, organized a glittering dinner reception to celebrate its 5th anniversary at a local restaurant recently. New Consul General of Pakistan Shehryar Akber Khan and his wife Sonia Shaheryar was the chief guest. Deputy Consul General Asif Memon and his wife, Tahseemul Haque Haqqi, community welfare attache and his wife, were guests of honor along with Mrs. Farhat Naeem, vice principal Pakistan International School Jeddah (PISJ-Aziziyah). The program started with recitation of verses from the Holy Qur'an and Naat by Ahmed Zubair followed by the national anthem and singing of patriotic songs for Army Public School (APS) children. Bintul Hasan hosted the event. In her opening remarks, she said, today we are gathered here to appreciate our member's countless endeavors in supporting the cause. She received shield from Rakhshanda Puri for her extraordinary efforts for arranging the event. Rakhshanda Puri, founder chairperson, welcomed the guests and dignitaries. She said the HHG always need community's help in their charity work. She briefed activities and said the group is paying annual fees of 40 students and shall increase this up to 100 students. HHG also assisted in performing marriage of 8 girls. Shehryar Akbar Khan said, "I feel very proud and happy that Pakistani women are doing good work and helping needy compatriots. He praised the efforts Mrs. Puri." Khan stressed on unity among Pakistani ladies and said help those in need, particularly in education, because it is vital for the country's development. The Consul General awarded shields and appreciation certificates along with his wife Sonia to the members including Mr. & Mrs. Nazir Memon, Mr. & Mrs. Aamir Altaf, Mr. & Mrs. Abdullah Akbar, Mr. Mrs. Mohammed Asif Butt, Mr. & Mrs. Ishtiaq Elahi, Mr. & Mrs. Mir Anwer Yaqoob, Mr. & Mrs. Khalid, Mr. & Mrs. Sikander Bhatti, Mr. & Mrs. Rafiq Memon, Mr. & Mrs. Fazal Memon, Mr. & Mrs. Hanif Sattar, Mr. & Mrs. Saud and Mr. & Mrs. Main Amjad Latif. HHG women members Maria Qaseem, Saba Warsi, Nadia Azher, Saba Nasir, Sadia Khan, Hasseena Razzak, Fariha Mansour, Taj Bano, Rehana Mitwani, Mrs. Ishrat, Mrs. Bushra Quraishi, Fouzia Ansari, Naveed Shahid and Amina Iqbal were also feted. A cake cutting ceremony for HHG 5th anniversary took place.
