RIYADH — Humnawa — a social association of Pakistani women in Riyadh celebrated Pakistan's National Day with great fervor. Nighat Manzoor, wife of the Pakistan Ambassador Manzoor Ul Haq, was the chief guest. Humnawa has maintained an impressive profile by being a functional ladies forum for the Pakistani women in Riyadh. By default the wife of the incumbent Pakistani ambassador is its Patron-in-Chief and with that extension Nighat Manzoor is its new Patron-in-Chief. The event was well attended by a large number of Pakistani women from all walks of life. Nighat was extended a very warm welcome by the ladies of Humnawa that included: Bilqis Safder (president), Shahnaz Qureshi (vice president), Dr. Wardah Qureshi (general secretary), Asiya Mahtab (treasurer), and Imrana Humayun – the membership secretary. Nighat expressed her delight to be at the event. She was accompanied by the spouses of senior embassy officials that included: Lubna Khayyam, Sarah Ibrahim, Nargis Faisal, Khadija Hassan Wazir, and Aisha Tahir. The event was ably conducted by Dr. Wardah. She welcomed the chief guest and honored guest to this annual event of Humnawa. She also presented a brief introduction and the objective of this event. “We have gathered here today for two purposes. First of all we wish to extend our very warm welcome to our beloved Nighat Manzoor on her arrival in Riyadh and for assuming the position of Patron-in-Chief of Humnawa. Secondly we have all gathered here to solemnly observe our National Day.” Bilqis in her opening speech expressed her joy at the presence of Nighat Manzoor. “On behalf of all members of Humnawa and on behalf of all ladies present here, I would like to say welcome to Riyadh Nighat Manzoor.” Nighat, in her brief but effective speech, first thanked Humnawa for arranging and hosting such a decent event marking the Pakistan National Day. “Ever since I arrived in Riyadh I have been hearing about Humnawa and today was my chance to know them. I am glad to note that Humnawa consists of some of very agile and socially active ladies who are doing a wonderful job in bring together the Pakistani ladies in Riyadh and also by reaching out to the women of the community who are in need of help and assistance of any kind. Thank you Humnawa!” Nighat said. She also mentioned that although the tenure of the present set up of Humnawa was over, they should continue to function till such time that she calls for a fresh election. The event was marked with several interesting items that included patriotic songs (Milli Naghma) rendition by Ghousia Wajid and Fatima Zaheer, a tableau in praise of the Pakistani schoolchildren put out a brave front against terrorists who attack their schools. This was beautifully choreographed by Khalida. A quiz session was also part of this event wherein some questions from Pakistani history were asked from the audience and those responded with the correct answers were presented with gifts. At the end of this event each guest was presented with a “Gate-Gift.”
