The Pakistani Ladies Club, “Humnawa” in association with the Pakistan Embassy in Riyadh, organized a spring gala for families of all nationalities on the embassy’s premises to synergize efforts to reach out to the needy and disadvantaged sections of society.

The gala event was inaugurated by Mohammad Naeem Khan, ambassador of Pakistan, who along with his wife Anila Naeem Khan were the chief guests, said the club’s general secretary Wardah Qureshi on Wednesday.

Speaking on the occasion the ambassador said that this grand spring gala jointly organized by Humnawa and the embassy will enhance the softer image of Pakistan as it has provided an opportunity to express not only its rich cultural heritage, but also allowed Pakistanis to meet their compatriots in the Kingdom.

He announced that the money collected in the event would be utilized for the deserving children’s education.

He also appreciated the role being played by Humnawa for the Pakistani community’s welfare and congratulated its president Bilquis Safdar and the team for successfully putting up this grand gala.

Humnawa, an association of the wives and daughters of expatriate Pakistanis living and working in Riyadh, was partnered with the embassy staff and led by its chancellor Abbas Sarwar Qureshi for the event held last Friday.

“A variety of Pakistani cuisine, Islamic books, handicraft, unique jewelry, carpets, photography, Pakistani dresses and bangles were on display,” Safdar said adding that ladies of other nationalities including Irish, Syrian, Jordanian and Indians also put up stalls to lend their support to the needy.

People enjoyed the food stalls with a variety of Pakistani food fare and the kids’ corner with a jumping castle, popcorn, cotton candy and the games stalls added excitement to the gala event.

The evening revved up with the music of Asad Ali Khan and Riyaz Rahi, young talents in the Saudi capital as they enthralled the audience with their live performances.

Founded some 20 years ago, Humnawa aims to bring together the women of the Pakistani community for socializing, promoting arts and culture and synergize efforts for social work like scholarships and financial support to needy students at the Pakistan International School, Riyadh.

The Pakistan embassy has hosted two concerts of renowned Pakistani cultural singers, Arif Lohar and Sanam Marvi, in the last 12 months.