Alia Uthman Akbar, wife of the head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Makkah province, was the chief guest while Taranum Salman Bashir, wife of the foreign secretary of Pakistan and president of PFOWA, was the guest of honor.

A large number of community members as well as high profile Saudi women including Hamida Raza Ali, chairperson of Al-Barakah Charity, attended the evening.

Khan in her welcome address expressed her happiness over the return of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah after his successful treatment and recovery abroad.

She remarked that Saudi and Pakistani cultures shared common traits. Arabic, the language of the Holy Qur'an, is widely taught, recited and understood all over Pakistan, she said, adding that the Pakistani community is immensely contributing to the development of the Kingdom's economy.

“The hard work of the community remains mutually beneficial for both Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.”

Bashir thanked the Consulate General of Pakistan for organizing the event and said the king was a great friend of Pakistan.

His contribution to the welfare and rehabilitation of Pakistanis affected by the 2005 earthquake and the devastating floods in 2010 will always be remembered by the people of Pakistan, she added.

Bashir recounted her long association with Jeddah, where she lived for seven years with the foreign secretary, and expressed her happiness at the overwhelming response of the community to the cultural evening.

Outlining the welfare activities of PFOWA, she said that in the spirit of friendship and unity, PFOWA has befriended nations and peoples of all hues and colors.

She mentioned PFOWA's endeavors to help build homes for Pakistanis affected by recent floods near Sajawal. She thanked the Pakistani community in Jeddah for their efforts to comfort their compatriots in difficult times at PFOWA's call, and thanked Allah for the happy return of King Abdullah and prayed for his long and happy life.

Alia remarked that the return of the king had doubled the joy of the evening.

She recalled that Saudi Arabia and Pakistan were two fraternal countries, which shared religion, culture and history.

Saudi Arabia had always advocated strong cultural relations among Islamic countries.

The presence and contributions of a large Pakistan community in Saudi Arabia constantly reminded Saudis of cultural commonalities between the two countries.

The evening was attended by thousands of Pakistanis residing in and around Makkah, Taif, Jeddah and other cities of the Western Region.

All guests showed great interest in the Pakistani handicrafts, henna, dresses, jewelry and cuisine that were on display at the event.