Faiz Al-Najdi RIYADH — Many a people just come and leave without being noticed. Pakistani couple Dr. Mansour Memon and Dr. Erum Qalbani, however, are known for their commendable services rendered for welfare of the Pakistani community. Known as The Memons, the couple's have played an integral role in representing and portraying the soft image of Pakistan. They have played vital roles in fund-raising campaign for the flood-affected poor people in Pakistan in 2011 and 212 under the aegis of the Embassy and the Ambassador of Pakistan. They have also been instrumental in cultivating good relationships with the international community here, especially with members of the diplomatic corps from the foreign missions. The Memons belong from Hyderabad of Sindh province in the south of Pakistan. Dr. Manosur is the son of G.M. Memon, who has the honor of remaining at the top of the bureaucratic helms in Pakistan for decades, including being the chief secretary of the Government of Sindh. The couple recently hosted a luncheon at Novotel Hotel last week, which was attended by ambassadors and mesdames of various countries. Khaled Almaeena, editor-in-chief of Saudi Gazette, was also among the invitees. Ambassador of Jordan Jamal Shamayleh said that he has known Dr. Mansour Memon and his wife Dr. Erum for more than two years now. He said it was a great honor for him to have been invited by them. "Dr. Mansour and his wife are excellent couple and they are very sociable and friendly." Deputy Chief of Mission at Embassy of the United States of America Timothy A. Lenderking spoke about the departing Ambassador of Malaysia Prof. Dr. Omar. Ambassador Japan Kodero Jiro said: "I wish to continue our relation and cooperation with each other." Ambassador of South Africa Mogamat Sadick Jaffer remarked that it was a pleasure to attend this lunch today and meet new people. "Down side of diplomatic life is that we meet new people and then we have to leave. But I am sure we will continue to remain friends with Dr Mansour and family." Ambassador of Singapore Lawrence Anderson said: "I will miss Prof. Dr. Omar as he would be leaving soon. However I am glad that I would be able to meet Prof. in Malaysia which is so close to my country Singapore." "I must add here the mangoes were as sweet as you are and like all other Pakistanis," said Ambassador of Sri Lanka Krishnamoorty on being presented with mangoes earlier. Ambassador of Finland Jarno Syrjala said that he was thankful to Dr. Mansour for providing him with an opportunity via such luncheon to meet old friends and make some new friends also. Ambassador of Maldives Adam Hassan said: "We appreciate the couple for all the good works that they are doing for their country and for their community." Ambassador of Malaysia Prof. Dr. Omar narrated an anecdote. "I am especially glad to have met Khaled Almaeena of Saudi Gazette. I have known him since long and I have great respect for him." Group Captain Ibrahim Asad, Naval & Air Attaché at the Embassy of Pakistan, complimented Dr. Mansour for this wonderful get-together. He said he was very happy to meet new people. "I am especially glad to have met Khaled Almaeena who is also the recipient of highest Pakistani civil award of Sitara-e-Imtiaz – Star of Honor. He is a friend of Pakistan." General Manager of Terumo Pervez Iqbal, Pakistani businessman Engr. Mamoor Elahi, resident manager Novotel Hotel Victor Visser, president of Indus Social and Cultural Forum and IT professional Ghulam Qadir Mallah, Khaled Almaeena among others were also happy to attend the luncheon and meet new people. The Memons then thanked everyone for finding time to join them at lunch. — SG
