JEDDAH, 15 November —A few Pakistani women enthusiasts here collected SR26,500 for the relief of Afghan refugees, informed organizers. The money will be sent immediately to the concerned authorities for providing relief materials to thousands of Aghans living in refugee camps in the border areas of Pakistan.
The money was raised through a charity bazaar-cum-dinner arranged by Shahnaz Nawaz, wife of Consul General Nawaz Chaudhry, here on Tuesday.
About 300 women attended the function. Anjuman-e-Khwateen-e-Pakistan, a voluntary women’s organization, helped in all possible ways to make the event successful. Other groups also whole-heartedly took part, the organizers said.
A few stalls were also erected at the venue. They did brisk business by selling a variety of Pakistani goods including clothes, decoration pieces and eatables. The other attraction of the evening was a Mushaira followed by a quiz competition and a lucky draw.
Shahnaz who was the brain behind the show, in her address highlighted the plight of the Afghan people and appealed to contribute generously for them
Concerning the event she said that “it’s a humble effort by Pakistani women to show solidarity with Afghan refugees at this crucial moment of history. It’s terrible. Innocent people are dying.”
“We were exploring ways to raise funds for the thousands of Afghan refugees seeking sanctuary in Pakistan, that too on our own, and hence decided to organize an all-women charity bazaar,” she said.
Shahnaz also thanked one and all for their contribution in making the evening successful. Rukhsana Masood also spoke about the pain and agony faced by the Afghan people.
