RIYADH — Hamnava, a leading organization of Pakistani women in Riyadh, celebrated Eid Al-Fitr by holding an Eid Milan party at the beautifully decorated chancery hall of Pakistan Embassy. The party, on the third day of Eid, was attended by a large number of people, including couples, from all segments of society. Also, the new leadership team of Hamnava was inducted at the event. Pakistani Ambassador Manzoor ul Haq and his wife Nighat Manzoor, who is the patron in chief of Hamnava, were the chief guests. Speaking on the occasion, Haq said, "Pakistan rejects terrorism in all shapes and forms and denounce the recent triple bombings in Saudi Arabia. Pakistanis are deeply saddened over the terrorist attack, particularly the one outside the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah. We stand united with Saudi Arabia." The ambassador praised Hamnava for their continuous efforts help women in Riyadh's Pakistani community. "Our women are very creative and talented. I am astonished to see that they are actively taking part in various community activities," he added. The envoy expressed his deep sorrow on Abdul Sattar Edhi's death. After the ambassador's speech, the audience stood in silence for one minute to pay homage to the Pakistani philanthropist. The second half of the program was canceled by the embassy and the organizers to show respect to the great humanitarian. Dr. Erum Qalbani, the newly appointed general secretary of Hamnava, and Waqar Naseem Wamiq conducted the program, which formally began with the recitation of Holy Qur'an by Maheera Zubair and translation by Hira Faisal. Hamnava President Bilquis Safdar warmly welcomed the distinguished guests and highlighted the mission and vision of Hamnava under the patronage of Mrs. Haq. "Hamnava is active among the Pakistani women of Riyadh for many years and is committed to bring together Pakistani women living in the city," she said. Nighat Manzoor announced the new executive body of Humnava and congratulated them on their appointment, especially Dr. Erum Qalbani as its new general secretary. The new executive body includes Bilquis Safdar as president, Shumaila Shahbaz as vice president, Dr. Erum Qalbani as general secretary, Huma Mahmood as finance secretary, Madiha Noman as event coordinator, Ronaq Arsalan as PRO, and Sonia, Sana Durrani, Sobia Zubair and Afsheen Faisal as executive members. "I am glad to work with Hamnava and I am very hopeful that they will play their vital role for the Pakistani women of Riyadh," Nighat said, adding that all women should come forward to enhance their talents. She presented awards of appreciation to the members of old committee, who included Shahnaz Qureshi, Asia Mehtab, Imrana Humaiyoun and Ghousia Wajid. A special memento was presented by Hamnava to Nighat Manzoor. Dr. Erum Qalbani was very upbeat and enthusiastic on her new appointment. "The golden era of Hamnava is well known to all. Hamnava used to be the name of beauty, class and elegance, and now the responsibility of its revival has been bestowed upon us by our honorable Patron Mrs. Nighat Manzoor. We are really grateful to her for her confidence in us and we are sure that under her guidance and leadership, Hamnava will once again rise to the stars," Qalbani said. Qalbani gave a brief introduction of the newly appointed executive members and ended her speech quoting British statesman Benjamin Disraeli, "You can tell the strength of a nation by the women beside its men". Prominent community member Sajida Chaudhary and prolific writer and professor Tasneem Amjad were the keynote speakers. They highlighted some important aspects of Hamnava and praised the valuable contribution of the organization.
