annual gazette 2014 - Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Transcription
annual gazette 2014 - Ministry of Foreign Affairs
ANNUAL GAZETTE 2014 Pakistan Foreign Office Women’s Association, Islamabad http://www.mofa.gov.pk/pfowa/ Cover by Zara Haque CONTENTS Dedication: Surah from the Holy Quran Executive Committee PFOWA 2014 Editor’s Note Message from President PFOWA Message from Patron PFOWA From the desk of the Foreign Secretary 3 4 5 6 8 9 This year’s achievements and activities 12 Reaching a Milestone…. by Mr. Moin-ul-Haque A Helping Hand... PFOWA Spring Festival Badminton Tournament Visit to SOS Children's Village Visit to NORI Hospital Art of Bonseki Relief Efforts for the Temporarily Displaced Persons PFOWA Flood Relief Efforts The Kidney Center Donation President PFOWA Visits Presidency PFOWA Executive Committee visits Presidency Candle Light Vigil for Martyrs of Peshawar School Attack Quran Recitation and Dua Get Well Soon Cards Women’s Day PFOWA team and Chinese Ambassador’s wife visits Umeed-e-Noor PFOWA visits Chinese Embassy General Body Meeting Pre-Bazaar Tea for Diplomatic Corps Thank You Tea - Bazaar 2013 Former Ambassadors' Spouses Pre Bazaar Tea 2014 Inauguration of Baby Day Care Center 13 15 16 19 21 21 22 23 24 24 25 26 27 27 28 29 30 31 32 32 33 34 34 PFOWA Reports 2014 General Secretary's Report Treasurer’s Report Education Committee Report 35 36 39 43 Annual Gazette 2014 | PFOWA 1 Social Welfare Committee Report Bazaar Secretary’s Report PFOWA Bazaar 2014 CREATIVE WRITINGS Extraordinary, Ordinary People by Sameer Ahmad Life After Retirement by Temriz Khalid "Pakistan-Turkey Dostuluk" Interview of Ambassador of Turkey to Pakistan by Mrs. Saima Usman From Me To You by Hina Ali True salary of a Doctor by Dr. Talha Salman Bashir Traveling Pakistan by Ambassador of the Netherlands, Mr. Marcel De Vink Multan Feels the Blues by Zahra Gardezi Reaching Heights - Meeting with Ms. Samina Baig, the Mountaineer by Mrs. Saima Usman Sheherzad Diaries by Yawar Abbas A Sonnet Tribute to Veganism……in My Life by Salahuddin Chaudhary Nomenclature Reflects History and Culture by Jamshaid Iftikhar Meeting by Accident by Nazar Abbas The Calm Zone by Dr. Sana Zakaria Memories of Amman by Mrs. Ayezza Muqeet Asim The English Language by Hina Ali From Diplobrats to Diplomats by Yumna and Minah A. Rathore Based on the Video Game Series-Bioshock by Ali Gardezi Nigar Nazar Comics Activities of Ministry of Foreign Affairs Old is Gold Ambassador Mrs. Seema Naqvi: A tribute by Rehana Hyder An Eulogy In Memory of Jamshed A. Hamid by Salahuddin Choudhry Pakistan’s Missions Abroad: Historical Recollections Fankaar Gali Paintings by Mrs. Mahwish Sohail Sketches by Zahra Gardezi 2 45 47 50 63 63 66 67 72 73 75 76 79 82 84 85 86 88 90 92 93 94 95 98 102 104 105 106 112 112 Globe Trotting 113 Creative Expressions URDU POETRY &PROSE 145 DEDICATION "The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed of grain which grows seven spikes; in each spike is a hundred grains. And Allah multiplies His reward for whom He wills." (The Holy Quran, 2:261) Annual Gazette 2014 | PFOWA 3 4 Sitting From Left to Right: Mrs Mehwish Sohail, Mrs. Farrah Moin, Mrs. Najia Aizaz Ahmad, Mrs Tahsina Aqil, Mrs. Aneela Ahmad Standing From Left to Right: Mrs Fazila Moazzam, Mrs. Saima Usman, Mrs. Laila Gardezi, Jannat Begum, Mrs. Siddiqa Tarar, Mrs. Fozia Salik, Mrs. Shabana Zaheer, Mrs. Asima Asim Executive Committee PFOWA 2014 Editor’s Note It gives me great pleasure to present the latest edition of PFOWA gazette which is compiled under the guidance of President PFOWA Mrs. Najia Aizaz Ahmad. Following the vision of our leadership, this gazette will be a helpful source to communicate generally about all the efforts of PFOWA and its philanthropic activities all year long. This year's magazine observes some aspects of the regular structure that PFOWA gazette follows, with a greater emphasis on bringing into limelight PFOWA'S charitable and social activities all through the year 2014. Working closely with PFOWA as a team member, I have realized that volunteer efforts of PFOWA members must be acknowledged and highlighted, which are a source of encouragement for present members and all those who wish to join and assist. This year PFOWA has evolved immensely by initiating many new in-house and out-reach projects. The annual gazette is of foremost importance to make society at large, aware of the aims and objectives of PFOWA and its myriad charitable endeavours. It also helps the MOFA fraternity to communicate with each other by sharing their activities and experiences from all around the globe. Gazette 2014 is a compendium of creative work in the form of personal experiences, prose, poetry and art by MOFA officers and their families. This year we also encouraged diplomatic corps to share their experiences during their stay in Pakistan. I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all those who contributed. Annual reports of all sub-committees are added to highlight the activities in the fields of education, social welfare, health and relief efforts for those who faced unforeseen circumstances. A number of social activities are also captured which will make readers aware of PFOWA'S capacity building and fund raising efforts. I would like to acknowledge all those who took time out and shared their creative work. A word of gratitude to our sponsors for financially supporting PFOWA gazette. I thank Mr. Raheel Tariq for his assistance in publishing this year's edition. I very much enjoyed editing the PFOWA gazette, which was an opportunity for me to collate PFOWA activities in the form of inspiring memories. I hope, the readers enjoy the final product as much as I liked the process. Mrs. Saima Usman Editor PFOWA Gazette 2014 Annual Gazette 2014 | PFOWA 5 President PFOWA Mrs. Najia Aizaz Ahmad It is with great pleasure that we present to our readers the PFOWA Gazette 2014. I feel deeply honored to have led PFOWA in a year (2014) that witnessed a fulfilling calendar of charity and welfare programs. Around fifteen months ago, when I took over the office, we set out a vision for our Organization. We wanted to not only continue the noble work that our predecessors had started but also focus on the areas where PFOWA can find its niche. At the top of our agenda were initiatives to enhance our pursuits in the education field. I am pleased to see that we succeeded in implementing our vision to a significant measure. An important feature of our education programs during 2014 was the introduction of several scholarship schemes. PFOWA has commenced a scholarship scheme in the name of the first President of PFOWA, Begum Shaista Ikramullah. This scholarship, for which applications are currently being considered, will be for the professional and higher studies of a girl child. It will strictly be a merit-based scholarship, with a sizable cash award. We are also starting ten scholarships for students after high school which will also be merit-based. These scholarships will be over and above the books and stationery provided to over 1000 school going children of classes I to X. PFOWA is also pleased to serve as the conduit for grants and scholarships to deserving students by philanthropists both from within and outside the Foreign Office. Another landmark decision by PFOWA during 2014 was the decision to enter into a joint venture with a reputed school chain, Roots Millennium Schools, to build a quality high school on the PFOWA-owned land in sector H-8. While the professionals would construct and manage the school at no cost to PFOWA, the students of the Foreign Office would be entitled to guaranteed admissions and significant fee discounts. It would be called RMS PFOWA International campus. The school premises will be available for PFOWA’s pro-bono vocational training programs. This would meet a longstanding demand of the Foreign Office community to have a school where our students returning from abroad are able to continue their studies in a quality environment. In this regard I wish to thank the support provided by the Foreign 6 Office Administration, Protocol, and Legal teams who worked tirelessly with our executive committee to negotiate the best possible win-win arrangement. As always, the final event of the PFOWA calendar was our annual charity Bazaar, which witnessed a large turnout from nearly all walks of life in Islamabad. The success of the Bazaar was assured by the active participation of the diplomatic corps, our traditional partners, as well as Pakistan’s missions abroad which contributed all kinds of fancy stuff for our stalls. And I would be remiss if I do not acknowledge the hard work of the Foreign Office community here and my own colleagues in the PFOWA executive committee. In the last one year that I have had the privilege to lead PFOWA, we have been able to make our modest contributions to furthering the objectives of PFOWA. We have continued, and also enhanced, our charity and support programs for the less privileged amongst us. Besides our efforts to promote education as mentioned above, our focus during 2014 was also on our in-house welfare programs. In keeping with tradition, we reached out to the TDPs and flood affectees, and extended assistance in cash and kind. In setting another tradition, PFOWA also organized a spring festival. The objective was to bring Foreign Office families together in order to promote camaraderie and better understanding. Seeing its success, we intend to continue this tradition this spring. We were also delighted to see the welcome active participation of our senior colleagues, the spouses of former Ambassadors, including in the charity bazaar where they set up a special stall as part of the PFOWA team. We also continued our diplomatic outreach through various programs. I cannot thank enough my fellow colleagues in PFOWA who take out time from their own personal lives for this volunteer work. I would also like to use this forum to encourage spouses of our junior colleagues, to step up and join PFOWA in promoting the aims and objectives of PFOWA as they will be the future torch bearers of the good work. I hope you would enjoy reading this Gazette, in the preparation of which our hardworking editor Ms. Saima Usman played an instrumental role. I would also invite you to visit our newly launched website on www.mofa.gov.pk/pfowa. You may also connect with us through our page on Facebook. Your good suggestions, feedback and appreciation are always welcome. While PFOWA accomplished much of what it had set out to achieve in 2014, we also suffered the loss of an illustrious colleague and former PFOWA President, Mrs. Seema Naqvi. May the departed soul rest in peace. Thank you! Annual Gazette 2014 | PFOWA 7 Patron PFOWA Mrs. Zahra Wadood Fatemi It gives me great pleasure to write this message for the new annual edition of PFOWA Magazine. I am proud of my association with PFOWA as the Patron. This pride radiates from the philanthropic and humanitarian endeavors which define PFOWA today. The organization has made numerous contributions in the fields of health, education and social welfare. It has always prioritized the causes of women empowerment and education with an ultimate objective of facilitating the underprivileged strata of the society. The cultural projection of Pakistan is another important aspect which deserves our deep admiration. PFOWA annual bazaar and the Spring Festival are great attractions for the diplomatic corps in Islamabad and also for the people from all walks of life. It is a matter of great satisfaction that popularity of these events is on the rise. Finally yet importantly, I want to congratulate the President of PFOWA, Mrs. Najia Aizaz Ahmad and her team for building elaborate future plans and making determined efforts for their execution and achievement. I wish them all the success! 8 From the Desk of the Foreign Secretary Mr. Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry As I look back at 2014, in terms of the challenges and opportunities it unfolded for our foreign policy, I take great pride in the significant contribution made by the Foreign Office team to achieving the priorities set out by the leadership. We hosted a large number of foreign leaders and high level delegations, inter alia, from Afghanistan, Bahrain, China, Iran, Korea, Saudi Arabia, European Union and OIC. As our relations further consolidate with China, new beginnings are made with Afghanistan, and constructive engagement with key players of our neighbourhood and the world crystallizes, I am confident that we – the officers of the Foreign Service of Pakistan – will make our nation proud of the way we would continue to seize, in 2015, the opportunities unleashed by 2014. While we strive to achieve the foreign policy objectives, our efficacy and efficiency in doing so will be optimal if we are able to create an enabling work-environment for the officers, both at professional and personal level. It is this vision that has guided our endeavors to improve the work environment of the Foreign Office and build on the capacity and commitment of its singular asset, the Foreign Service of Pakistan. I take this opportunity to touch upon a few of the initiatives we have undertaken in this regard. I interact regularly with officers and staff through dedicated meetings. Every Division, headed by the Director General, is afforded an opportunity to make a presentation to all Additional Secretaries and Directors General, for horizontal sharing of information, aimed at affording an opportunity for benefitting from the collective wisdom to analyze the important issues, and preparing Directors General for their responsibilities as future Heads of Mission. To maintain high levels of morale and productivity, a transparent and judicious postings policy has been evolved and implemented. All efforts have been made to ensure optimal use of resources, through a criteria based process to minimize the exceptions. Likewise, recruitment of staff vacancies has been carried out with utmost regard to merit and fair play, adding to our ranks, meritorious and Annual Gazette 2014 | PFOWA 9 From the Desk of the Foreign Secretary worthy personnel. In keeping with the demands of the information age that we are living in, we took several strides forward, during 2014, towards achieving a paperless Foreign Office. All officers are now connected, both at Headquarters and Missions abroad, through Ministry’s email network. Bulk of the routine mail, especially faxes and press coverage, has been shifted to emails. New software has been developed and put in use for tracking stationery and diplomatic bags handling, as well as for tracking movement of intra-ministerial official mail through real-time, integrated, electronic diary system. We are now working on developing appropriate software to handle all administrative requests from our missions abroad, as well as to manage our enclair correspondence, filing and archiving. "I am confident that we – the officers of the Foreign Service of Pakistan – will make our nation proud of the way we would continue to seize, in 2015, the opportunities unleashed by 2014." As part of the E-governance initiative, a specially designed web-based application “ProSYS-Protocol Systems” has been launched by the Protocol Division to enhance efficiency and ensure timely processing of requests received from the Diplomatic Missions based in Pakistan. A Pigeonhole Box mailing system has also been introduced to streamline the receipt and delivery of mail to foreign Missions. A mechanism for quicker and more forthcoming response to the administrative and budgetary requests from our missions abroad has been put in place to help upgrade facilities and improve service delivery. A special effort is also being made 10 "In keeping with the demands of the information age that we are living in, we took several strides forward, during 2014, towards achieving a paperless Foreign Office." to settle long standing audit paras and a system is being evolved for timely communication of audit paras to the officers. Operationalization of the new Wing of the Ministry’s premises, now named Sahabzada Yaqub Khan Block (SYKB), with modern conference and office facilities, has further improved our work environment. The building serves as an elegant venue to welcome and hold talks with the foreign dignitaries visiting Pakistan. A state of the art conference center, banquet hall, executive dining facility, library and archives are currently in advance stages of being completed. SYKB and the old block, now named Agha Shahi Block, have been joined by a bridge on to second floor. A special effort is being made to keep the Ministry premises well maintained and clean. The upkeep of the new block and its beautiful lawns has been outsourced to private sector. We have also installed security alarms, cameras and other systems to enhance our collective security. A comprehensive security appraisal has been undertaken and an integrated state of the art security upgrade is being contemplated. We are also seeking to improve the rear lawn of the Ministry where a well designed parking for 400 cars will be developed with proper pathways and shades. The Foreign Office Cooperative Housing Society (FOECHS) has made significant progress. Its financial health has improved tremendously and infra-structure development is near completion. The lingering issue of the Farm Housing scheme From the Desk of the Foreign Secretary has been successfully resolved. Various renovations and additions have been undertaken in the Foreign Office Lodges, which houses nearly 42 families. Similarly, facilities at other residential abodes including Foreign Office Hostel, FSA Hostel, GIDS Hostel and the pool accommodation have been improved. There are plans to build additional lodges in the space behind GIDS hostel. As in the case of postings and transfers, a criteria based allocation policy for official accommodation is being strictly implemented. I would also like to take this opportunity to commend our sister organization, Pakistan Foreign Office Women's Association (PFOWA), for its sterling effort to build a quality modern High School on its plot in a joint venture with a leading educational system, RMS. I appreciate our Administration, Chief of Protocol, and Legal Adviser for extending their help to PFOWA to build the School that would ensure guaranteed admission and generous "I would also like to take this opportunity to commend our sister organization, Pakistan Foreign Office Women's Association (PFOWA), for its sterling effort to build a quality modern High School on its plot in a joint venture with a leading educational system, RMS." discounts to the children of our officers and staff. I truly believe that Pakistani Diaspora are an asset for the country and merit our unflinching support and attention. Immediately after taking charge, I instructed our Missions to improve consular facilities. We have started major repair and renovations of consular facilities in countries with high concentration of Pakistani community. A state of the art consular hall has been built in the Ministry to serve the general public and is functioning in an efficient manner which has earned kudos for the Foreign Office. In the four provincial capitals also, we are upgrading consular sections. I presided over a conference of all Deputy Chiefs of Protocol to devise measures to improve service delivery and infrastructure of our Camp Offices in the provincial capitals. We are also enhancing interactions with "The Foreign Service of Pakistan continues to serve the country with honour, integrity and dedication. " the Honorary Consuls in Pakistan. The importance of Public Diplomacy cannot be overstated in the current era. We have taken several initiatives in this realm, including Agha Shahi lecture series, golf, badminton, cricket and other sports tournaments, annual spring dinner for the diplomatic corps, and a number of other events. I have also increased the frequency of my interaction with the parliamentarians and other government functionaries to enhance backstopping of our work in the Ministry and Missions abroad. The Foreign Service of Pakistan continues to serve the country with honour, integrity and dedication. The Ministry, within its limited resources, is setting high benchmarks of professionalism, which is duly appreciated by the leadership of the country. I see a bright future for our Service, given the commitment of our younger colleagues towards sustaining and strengthening the rich traditions of excellence. Annual Gazette 2014 | PFOWA 11 This year’s achievements and activities 12 This year’s achievements and activities Reaching a milestone…. Mr. Moin-ul-Haque Chief of Protocol A school of international standards has been a cherished dream of Foreign Service fraternity for a long time. In the pursuit of this goal, Pakistan Foreign Office Women's Association (PFOWA) played the lead role, as part of its broader mandate which also includes education sector, and being the owner of the plot in H-8 Sector, where the proposed school was envisaged to be built. The dream was finally realized on 23rd December, 2014, when PFOWA signed a Partnership Agreement with Roots Millennium School (RMS) to construct a state of the art, purpose-built international school on its plot in H-8 Sector. PFOWA-RMS agreement was a product of a year-long transparent and competitive process, in which a number of country’s reputed school systems participated. I am proud of my humble contributions made as a member of the Special Sub-Committee of PFOWA, which carried out the comparative analysis of various proposals and finally selected RMS for the construction of the school. The School project would not have been possible without the steadfast support and constant guidance of the Foreign Secretary, strong belief of the members of PFOWA under the leadership of their President Mrs. Najia Aizaz and the hard work rendered by the Special Sub-Committee members especially Legal Advisor Dr. Sajid Qureshi and Director General Mr. Hamid Asghar. Annual Gazette 2014 | PFOWA 13 This year’s achievements and activities The school has been aptly named RMS-PFOWA International Campus and would be an impressive addition to the education scene in Islamabad. Besides fulfilling the needs of our own children, it would also be an attractive option for the expatriate community in Islamabad. The Agreement provides RMS full responsibility for construction, management and operation of the school, while incorporating fixed quotas and handsome discounts for the Foreign Office students. PFOWA would also be receiving shares in revenues to essentially fund its welfare/charity activities and to subsidize educational costs of the needy and poor children. We do hope that this school project would be realized in the envisaged time frame of about 30-36 months and would serve as a platform for building a university level educational institution in future. 14 This year’s achievements and activities A helping hand... PFOWA takes great pride in its out-reach programs to assist the underprivileged segment of our society. It does so in myriad ways. The objective is to empower individuals to bring about a sustainable change and meaning in their lives. PFOWA's social welfare team recently came across a woman named Phool Bibi, wife of a low paid employee, who exhibited a remarkable determination to help her family achieve a better quality of life. PFOWA helped her set up a sewing center where she will be guiding other women and girls in the art of stitching and sewing. This will not only help Phool Bibi and her immediate family but also train other women to become a helping hand for their families, thus keeping the wheel of mutual help moving forward. Subject to the availability of funds, PFOWA looks forward to surge ahead with its self help programs. Annual Gazette 2014 | PFOWA 15 This year’s achievements and activities PFOWA Spring Festival Spring is a miraculous experience. The world comes alive with its color and scent of delicious greenery. It’s that time of the year when we bid farewell to the bitter coldness and wave hello to the warmth knocking on doors of our lives. To celebrate the spirit of spring, spring festival was arranged in the month of March. Mr. Sartaj Aziz, Mr. and Mrs. Tariq Fatemi, retired ambassadors and many more graced the event and added prestige to the festival which was arranged impeccably by PFOWA under the guidance of Mrs. Najia Aizaz Ahmad. Our traditional food and festival like basant enhanced the colors of the season beyond bounds. Our cultural beat of ”dhol” welcomed every guest. 16 It was an open event for every officer of MOFA to come together with families, meet and greet each other and enjoy the spirit of spring. It was a day for each age group’s enjoyment. After the delicious traditional food of Pakistan, grown-ups sat comfortably and played Tambola. A number This year’s achievements and activities of games were arranged for kids and winners went home with beautiful gifts. Spring festival was thoroughly enjoyed by all those who took time out of their busy routines and became part of it. Spring festival was one of the many new initiatives by President of PFOWA to bring together officers and their families. The festival provided an opportunity for all to mingle among the fraternity. Annual Gazette 2014 | PFOWA 17 This year’s achievements and activities Preparing the "Khush Zaiqa" brunch, Traditional Delicacies... all laid out. How to knot a tie? Serious Tambola players! Spring Festival decoration. 18 Many won attractive prizes. This year’s achievements and activities BADMINTON TOURNAMENT For diversifying the activities of PFOWA, the President of PFOWA, Mrs Najia Aizaz Ahmed initiated a new step by arranging a badminton tournament. Diplomatic corps residing in Islamabad were involved and they responded with eagerness. PFOWA hosted this friendly badminton tournament for the spouses of diplomats to get involved in a healthy activity. After the introductory remarks from Vice President Mrs Sadaf Ibn-e-Abbas, the President of PFOWA, Mrs Najia Aizaz Ahmed welcomed the guests and all the players Annual Gazette 2014 | PFOWA 19 This year’s achievements and activities who participated with a lot of enthusiasm. It was a series of matches that lasted for two days. On the first day, two teams played simultaneously and winners qualified for semi finals. On the second day semi finals and final matches were held between players. PFOWA is proud to announce that PFOWA team members made it to the final and finished the match as runners up (2nd position). The event was appreciated tremendously by diplomatic corps as a healthy activity that also gives opportunity to mingle with diplomatic circle in a carefree and fun environment. Mr Aizaz Ahmed Chaudhry, Foreign Secretary of Pakistan, graced the occasion by his 20 presence and distributed awards to the winners. Mrs Tariq Fatemi also added prestige to the event by attending the event and also distributed prizes to the players. Many ambassadors and members of diplomatic corps attended the event and made it a huge success. This year’s achievements and activities Visit to SOS children's village On July 24, President of PFOWA, Mrs. Najia Aizaz Ahmad, along with members of Executive Committee visited SOS Village Islamabad. SOS Children’s Villages are home to children who, for various reasons, are not able to live with their biological family. Many are orphaned or abandoned. In a Children's Village, each child is looked after by an SOS mother. She lovingly cares for a small group of children and they live as a family. President PFOWA handed over a cheque to SOS Village on behalf of PFOWA and appreciated the change this organization is bringing in the lives of underprivileged children. This charity from PFOWA will be used to help and facilitate the children of SOS Village Islamabad. Visit to NORI hospital PFOWA is a non-profit charitable organization bringing change and improvement in the lives of underprivileged members of society over many years. Keeping the beacon of charity burning, President of PFOWA, along with members of Executive Committee, visited Nuclear Oncology & Radiotherapy Institution(NORI) and presented a cheque to the institution on behalf of PFOWA as charity. NORI is a cancer hospital, providing diagnostic and treatment facilities to the referred patients of the twin cities, suburbs and northern parts of the country with utmost dedication. Those who cannot afford expenses of cancer treatment, are treated free of cost. The charity from PFOWA will be used by the institution to cure cancer patients. Annual Gazette 2014 | PFOWA 21 This year’s achievements and activities ART OF BONSEKI On 5 June 2014, Mrs Medori Inomata, wife of the Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan hosted a lunch for the President of PFOWA and Members of Executive Committee. On the occasion she gave a live demonstration of the art of 'Bonseki'. 'Bonseki' is a traditional Japanese art in which scenery of four seasons is portrayed in miniature. Mrs Medori demonstrated the art by placing natural stones on black lacquer tray with various sizes and amount of white sand used to add dimension. Bonseki scenes often depict mountains, shore lines and gardens. Miniature structures usually made up of painted copper are used to make the art more interesting. Mrs Medori captivated the attention of PFOWA members by skillfully demonstrating the art and it was a learning experience for the guests. Mrs Najia Aizaz Ahmad, President PFOWA, thanked the hostess for her kind invitation and appreciated the art. She also mentioned that such events help to promote PFOWA as an organization and the message of charity spreads across society. 22 This year’s achievements and activities RELIEF EFFORTS FOR THE TEMPORARILY DISPLACED PERSONS The Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ officers and staff at the Headquarters and Missions abroad, in their expression of solidarity with the Displaced Persons, from North Waziristan, have decided to donate their one day salary towards the Displaced Persons Relief Fund. Pakistan Foreign Office Women’s Association (PFOWA), which is a non-political, non-profit charitable organization, has also joined the Ministry and announced an amount of Rs.500,000/- donation for supplying edibles to the Displced Persons before the onset of the holy month of Ramazan. Ministry of Foreign Affairs and PFOWA stand ready and committed in their resolve to further assist their brethren from North Waziristan, as and when necessary. PFOWA Members are packing Eid gifts for the TDPs Annual Gazette 2014 | PFOWA 23 This year’s achievements and activities PFOWA Flood Relief Efforts Pfowa is a non-profit charitable organization, bringing improvement and reforms in the lives of underprivileged and needy individuals of society over past many decades. For this very purpose, Pfowa engages in a number of capacity building activities for fund raising and fund distribution all year long. During the hour of need and subject to the availability of funds, Pfowa outreaches and also helps society facing natural disaster. Pakistan faced a huge challenge this year to reform the lives of people living in flood stricken areas. To keep the wheel of charity running, President Pfowa, Mrs. Najia Aizaz Ahmad, along with her team of Executive Committee presented cash to "True Worth" foundation to help rebuild lives of those affected by flood. The President presented cheque to Mrs. Fatemi to be used by the foundation for flood relief efforts. Pfowa aims at working more in this domain, if funds allow, to bring improvement in the lives of those in need and out reaching the society at large. The Kidney Center Donation PFOWA is a non-profit charitable organization, helping the needy and underprivileged members of society and primarily facilitating poor individuals in need of medical assistance. PFOWA outreach charity efforts are extended to support and help those outside Foreign Office. Subject to the availability of funds, PFOWA financially assists institutions working on humanitarian grounds to help the needy members of society. In this regard, PFOWA gave cheque worth Rs 200,000 to 'The Kidney Center' Karachi, to help kidney patients who cannot afford treatment. The cheque was given by President PFOWA, Mrs. Najia Aizaz Ahmad to Mrs. Naseem Jaffer. The Kidney Center provides complete diagnostic and treatment facilities and is dependent on unprecedented support by community and institutions like PFOWA. It provides welfare assistance and treatment facilities to those in need thereby ensuring that no one is denied treatment simply because it is un-affordable. 24 This year’s achievements and activities President PFOWA Visits Presidency President of Pfowa, Mrs Najia Aizaz Ahmad visited Mrs Mehmooda Mamnoon Hussain to brief her about PFOWA and its charitable activities all year long. President PFOWA also invited Mrs Mehmooda to attend PFOWA Bazaar 2014 as Chief Guest. Annual Gazette 2014 | PFOWA 25 This year’s achievements and activities PFOWA Executive Committee visits Presidency PFOWA Executive Committee under the leadership of President PFOWA Mrs Najia Aizaz Ahmad, visited Presidency and thanked Mrs Mehmooda Mamnoon Hussain for gracing PFOWA bazaar with her presence as Chief Guest. 26 This year’s achievements and activities Candle Light Vigil for Martyrs of Peshawar School Attack In order to express solidarity with the victims of Peshawar terrorist attack, the officers and officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and their families organized a commemorative event at the Ministry. Dua (prayer) was followed by a candle light vigil on the Constitution Avenue. Members of the Diplomatic community in Islamabad participated in the event in large numbers. Quran Recitation and Dua In commemoration of the innocent lives lost in the barbaric and heinous terrorist attack in Peshawar on 16 December 2014, PFOWA organized Quran recitation and dua to remember and pray for the departed souls. Spouses of serving and retired MOFA officers as well as lady officers attended the Quran recitation and prayed for lost lives and their families to cope with this immense loss and grief. The attendees also made a dua for the soul of Special Secretary of MOFA, Mrs Seema Naqvi who recently lost her life after a tough battle with cancer. Annual Gazette 2014 | PFOWA 27 This year’s achievements and activities GET WELL SOON CARDS PFOWA sent handmade cards to the injured students of APS Peshawar as Get Well Soon Wish. 28 This year’s achievements and activities Women’s Day This year Mrs. Najia Aizaz Ahmed, President PFOWA and members of its Executive Committee celebrated 'Women's Day' at Chinese Embassy in Islamabad on 8 March 2014. It was an auction hosted by Chinese Embassy to assist the special children of 'Umeed-e-Noor'. As a gesture of goodwill, the President PFOWA donated one of her beautiful paintings, to be auctioned. Proceeds raised from the auction were donated to the charity. Other guests at the event also donated items such as jewelery, carpets and collectibles and made it a success. All the guests participated with a lot of zest to become part of the noble cause. The fund raised by the auction was handed over to 'Umeede-Noor' at the end of the event. The event provided an excellent opportunity to raise awareness amongst Diplomatic Corps about the efforts of PFOWA to bring quality change in the lives of underprivileged. President PFOWA appreciated the efforts of Chinese Embassy for arranging this noble event. Annual Gazette 2014 | PFOWA 29 This year’s achievements and activities PFOWA team and Chinese Ambassador’s wife visit Umeed-e-Noor 30 This year’s achievements and activities PFOWA visits chinese embassy PFOWA has emerged as a dynamic and successful organization which has been improving lives of underprivileged individuals of society over the past many years. In recognition of its efforts, Mrs Bao Jiqing, wife of Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan, invited members of PFOWA to a coffee morning as a token of thanks for involving Chinese Embassy in charitable endeavours. On the occasion, Mrs Bao welcomed the guests and held in esteem all activities of PFOWA. She presented a cheque of US$ 4,000 to President PFOWA, Mrs Najia Aizaz Ahmad, for charity fund. This contribution from the Chinese Embassy will be utilized for helping the underprivileged. Mrs Najia Aizaz Ahmad appreciated the kind gesture and thanked Mrs Bao for her interest, support and immense assistance in activities of PFOWA. She also mentioned that PFOWA looks forward to work closely with Chinese Embassy in reforming sufferings of the poor. Annual Gazette 2014 | PFOWA 31 This year’s achievements and activities General Body meeting On September 24, President PFOWA, Mrs. Najia Aizaz Ahmad called General Body meeting. All PFOWA members were invited along with Executive Committee of PFOWA. The purpose was to brief the audience about the accomplishments of PFOWA so far for the year 2014. Upcoming events planned till December 2014 were also brought into limelight and guests were asked to participate and volunteer actively, so that most of officers' spouses and female officers at MOFA can become part of PFOWA charitable and social activities. Pre-Bazaar Tea for Diplomatic Corps President PFOWA, Mrs. Najia Aizaz Ahmad, invited the Diplomatic Corps on a Tea Evening to inform the diplomats about upcoming bazaar so that they can get engaged with PFOWA and also get a chance to promote the culture and cuisine of their respective countries. PFOWA briefed members of Diplomatic Corps about upcoming Bazaar and encouraged them to participate actively. The efforts of PFOWA were appreciated immensely by all the Mrs. Tahsina Aqil Vice President PFOWA diplomats residing in Islamabad. 32 This year’s achievements and activities THANK YOU TEA BAZAAR 2013 President PFOWA invited the participants of Bazaar 2013 as a token of gratitude. On the occasion, "AHAN" displayed their handicrafts. Annual Gazette 2014 | PFOWA 33 This year’s achievements and activities PRE BAZAAR TEA FOR FORMER AMBASSADORS' SPOUSES Inauguration of Baby Day Care Center In line with the Ministry’s policy of creating a motivational work environment, a Baby Day Care Center (Crèche) has been set up in the Ministry. The Foreign Secretary inaugurated the Baby Day Care Center and the ceremony was attended amongst others by President PFOWA, Mrs. Najia Aizaz Ahmad and Executive Committee members of the Association. 34 PFOWA Reports 2014 Annual Gazette 2014 | PFOWA 35 GENERAL SECRETARY'S report Mrs. Farrah Moin PFOWA’s path towards becoming one of the country’s leading charitable and social welfare organization continued with a new vigor and a broadened agenda in the year 2014. PFOWA’s Executive Committee under the dynamic and energetic leadership of its new President, Mrs Najia Aizaz, was imbued with spirit of volunteerism and took active part in organizing a wide range of various social, cultural and welfare oriented activities. The Annual Bazaar held at the rear lawns of Serena Hotel saw a record turnout and earnings. The year ended with a historic signing of a Partnership Agreement with Roots Millennium School for construction of a state of the art International School at PFOWA plot in H-8 sector Islamabad. A synopsis of the year’s activities are given in the following lines:JANUARY 2014 Mrs. Najia Aizaz Ahmad assumed charge as 28th President of PFOWA. 16 January: Mrs. Najia Aizaz Ahmad, the new President chaired her first meeting of PFOWA. She paid tribute to the outgoing President Mrs. Shaista Jilani and expressed her commitment to carry forward the excellent work of her predecessors with a new vigor and dedication. She constituted the new Executive Committee. 21 January: A meeting was held related to the arrangements of “Thank you Tea” in connection with Annual Bazaar 2013. 36 28 January: PFOWA organized its first event of the year. A "Thank You Tea" arranged as a token of gratitude for Diplomatic Corps and friends of PFOWA for their generosity and valuable contribution in organizing PFOWA charity bazaar 2013. AHAN (Aik Hunar Aik Nagar) displayed Pakistani handicrafts on the sidelines of the function. FEBRUARY 2014 18 February: Chinese Ambassador’s wife Ms Bao Jiqing visited PFOWA office and extended an invitation to participate in the International Women Day. It was also decided to jointly hold some sports activities. 25 February: Executive Committee met to discuss the arrangements for the forthcoming Spring Festival. 27 February: PFOWA President visited Umeed-e-Noor along with Spouse of the Chinese Ambassador. MARCH 2014 8 March: President PFOWA and the Executive Committee celebrated the “Women’s Day” at Chinese Embassy in Islamabad. It was an auction hosted by Chinese Embassy to assist the Institute of Special Children. As a gesture of goodwill, President PFOWA donated one of her oil paintings to be auctioned to raise proceeds for the charity. The painting was sold for Rs. 250,000. 9 March: Spring Festival was held for the very first time at MOFA. All officers and their families participated in a friendly social setting. An exciting game of Tambola was PFOWA Reports 2014 the highlight of the function. 12 March: Mr. Fife MacDuff, Director Regional English Language was invited to give a briefing about their English Language Programme for the unprivileged children. 18 March: Meeting of the Executive Committee was held to discuss the forthcoming Badminton Tournament. 19 March: A special meeting of Executive Committee with the Foreign Secretary was held to discuss the status of PFOWA’s joint venture with NRSP. It was suggested to secure the premises by building a wall around the plot. 28 March: The first ever PFOWA Friendship Badminton Tournament for diplomats took place. Many Ambassadors and members of Diplomatic Corps attended the event and made it a huge success. Foreign Secretary, Mr. Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry graced the event as Chief Guest. APRIL 2014 The PFOWA Executive Committee met on four working days to distribute stationery, notebooks, and school bags to children of Foreign Office employees. Special grants were also distributed for high school children. MAY 2014 Mrs. Najia Aizaz Ahmad inaugurated and attended the exhibition of Pakistani Calligraphers and Artisans by the Consulate of Pakistan in Jeddah. Parts of the proceeds raised from the exhibition were donated to PFOWA charity. 16 May: President PFOWA addressed pre-posting orientation course at Foreign Service Academy. She spoke about the role of spouses in promoting country’s interest and image abroad. Executive Committee also attended the event. JUNE 2014 PFOWA’s new website launched: www.mofa.gov.pk/ pfowa 4 June: Mrs. Bao Jiqing, wife of Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan invited members of PFOWA to a coffee morning. She presented a cheque of US$ 4,000 to President PFOWA. Mrs. Najia Aizaz Ahmad appreciated and thanked Mrs. Bao for her support to PFOWA in realizing its aims and objectives. 5 June: PFOWA President Mrs. Najia Aizaz Ahmad and members of Executive Committee attended a lunch hosted by the Spouse of Ambassador of Japan Ms. Medori Inomata. She gave a demonstration of art of Bonseki which was deeply appreciated. 24 June: PFOWA and MOFA donated towards the displaced persons relief fund. 30 June: The important issue of amending the PFOWA’s constitution was taken up at a special meeting of the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee approved the proposed amendments and decided to circulate them to all members present at Headquarters for their approval. JULY 2014 PFOWA sent Eid gifts to TDP women and children in Bannu Camp. 1 July: The Executive Committee of PFOWA led by its President Mrs Najia Aizaz Ahmad, held a meeting with the Foreign Secretary to discuss the construction of a school and a vocational training center on PFOWA plot in H-8 Sector. A sub committee was formed to analyze, examine, and carry out a comparative study of the proposals received and to make recommendations to the Executive Committee. The sub-committee would also be responsible for carrying out negotiations with the selected school system. 2 July: A special consignment worth Rs. 500,000 containing clothes, food items was sent to the TDPs. 24 July: PFOWA Executive Committee visited Nori Hospital and presented the Director of Welfare Society a cheque of Rs.30,000 on behalf of PFOWA. 30 July: Executive Committee donated Rs. 100,000 for organizing iftars for the staff members of the Ministry in the month of Ramadan. More than 50 people benefited daily during Ramadan from this noble initiative of PFOWA. SEPTEMBER 2014 PFOWA Executive Committee unanimously decided to change the name “Pakistan Foreign Office Wives Association” to “Pakistan Foreign Office Women's Association”. This name was formally registered on 23 September. 9 September: A meeting was arranged to discuss and finalize dates for important events: Annual Education Prize Distribution Function, General Body Meeting, Diplomatic Tea and Annual Charity Bazaar. Annual Gazette 2014 | PFOWA 37 PFOWA Reports 2014 23 September: A prize distribution ceremony was held for the students of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs who had distinguished themselves academically. Certificates were also awarded to those students who completed the computer literacy course, organized by PFOWA. 24 September: The annual general body meeting was held at the Auditorium of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The meeting was presided by PFOWA President Mrs Najia Aizaz. She welcomed members and gave an overview of PFOWA’s activities in the year 2014. The meeting featured Dr. Sara’s lecture who spoke of good skin care. OCTOBER 2014 21 October: PFOWA gave cheque worth Rs. 200,000 to Kidney Center Karachi to help the kidney patients who cannot afford treatment. 28 October: PFOWA arranged a special get together for the first time for the spouses of our former Ambassadors. They were invited to participate in the Annual Bazaar. NOVEMBER 2014 PFOWA donated a cheque to the flood affectees. 14 November: The Legal Adviser briefed President PFOWA about the draft agreement received from the Roots Millennium School (RMS) for the construction of school on PFOWA plot in H-8. 26 November: The Executive Committee discussed in detail the draft agreement received from RMS for the construction of school on PFOWA plot in H-8. DECEMBER 2014 President PFOWA alongwith some members of the Executive Committee attended traditional marriage ceremony show hosted by the Embassy of Indonesia. 7 December: PFOWA’s Annual Charity Bazaar took place in Serena Hotel Lawn . This was the last event of the year and was a mega success. Begum Mehmooda Mamnoon Hussain graced PFOWA Bazaar with her presence as the chief guest. There were various stalls showcasing cuisine, handicrafts, decorations, cosmetics, clothes and jewelry and other items from all over the world. “ Cultural Mosaic” was a blend of different traditional presentations enthusiastically performed by Embassies based in Islamabad. A Fashion Show by ‘Labels’ was another event appreciated at the Bazaar. Musical show was also arranged to add to the festivities. It is estimated 38 that the 2014 Bazaar was attended by more than 10,000 people from all walks of life. 18 December: PFOWA attended a candlelight vigil organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to express solidarity with victims of the horrendous Peshawar school attack. 19 December: Quran Khawani and dua was held by PFOWA for the souls of those who lost their lives in Peshawar attack. PFOWA stands in solidarity with the departed souls and their families. 20 December: A special dua was made for Mrs Seema Naqvi who lost her life after a tough battle with cancer. In the evening PFOWA visited the Presidency to pay thanks to Begum Mehmooda Mamnoon Hussain, who honored PFOWA Bazaar 2014 as Chief Guest. She appreciated all the efforts and granted Rs. 10 lakh to PFOWA for its charity projects. Mrs Najia Aizaz presented her a gift on behalf of PFOWA as a token of thanks. 23 December: Historic signing of the Partnership Agreement between PFOWA and Roots Millenium School (RMS) for construction of the school took place in the Ministry. Mrs Najia Aizaz, President PFOWA and Mr Faisal Mushtaq, CEO RMS signed the agreement in a simple ceremony attended by the Foreign Secretary and senior officials of the Ministry. 24 December: PFOWA sent handmade Get-Well Soon cards to hospitalized/injured students of Peshawar school attack. Like every year, we welcomed new friends while at the same time we bid goodbye to a number of our members. Mrs Nabila Durani, Mrs Karen Janjua, Mrs Mubeena Tanveer, Mrs Natasha Asif Mamoon, Mrs Saduf Abbas, Mrs Mehwish Sohail, and Mrs Fauzia Salik, proceeded on postings abroad. I extend my sincere gratitude to all my colleagues for their support and help in fulfillment of my tasks as General Secretary. Assistance rendered by staff members especially Jameel, Ahmed, Qasim and Asad is also well appreciated. PFOWA is strong as ever. Its members fully committed and devoted. Our hearts full of compassion, kindness and care. I pray that Allah Gives us the strength and energy to continue serving the humanity. TREASURER’s REPORT Mrs. Aneela Warraich Treasurer Mrs. Fazeela Moazzam Co-Treasurer Ministry of Foreign Affairs is the only Federal Government Ministry to establish a registered charity for the welfare of its staff members. Visionary and kindhearted senior colleagues started PFOWA with meager resources. The PFOWA team's sincerity, hard work and wise investments have helped PFOWA gain financial strength. We would like to thank the Foreign Office community and the friends of PFOWA for their generous contributions. They have enabled us to assist people in need through our outreach program. I am honoured to present the Treasurer’s Report for the year 2014. PFOWA EXPENDITURE (a) PFOWA IN HOUSE SUPPORT PROGRAMME Education /Educational Rs. 2,333,232 Awards/ Scholarships Social Welfare (Stipends for Widows. Medical Assistance, Rs. 3,866,500 etc) Eidi /Christmas/Miscellaneous Rs. 979,634 External Audit Expenditure Rs. 18,000 TOTAL Rs. 7,197,366 (b) PFOWA OUT REACH PROGRAMME Payment to True Worth Foundation as educational stipend received from South Korean National Couple Donation to True Worth Foundation for flood victims Purchase of food items to donate TDPs of Northern Waziristan Donation to Noori Hospital, Islamabad Donation for SOS Children's Village Islamabad Donation to Kidney Centre for the welfare of patients Gifts for special children of Umeed-e-Noor TOTAL Rs. 55,614 Rs. 300,000 Rs. 500,000 Rs. 300,000 Rs. 200,000 Rs. 200,000 Rs. 6,880 Rs. 1,562,494 Annual Gazette 2014 | PFOWA 39 PFOWA Reports 2014 PFOWA INCOME (a)INCOME FROM PFOWA STALLS PFOWA Stalls/Bazaar Income Rs. 1,102,730.00 + US$ 95.00 Raffle Rs. 443,950.00 After Bazaar Mini Sale Rs. 330,900 TOTAL Rs. 1,877,580.00 US$ 95.00 (b) S.NO 1 2 3 4 5 MISSION 8 9 10 Addis Ababa Bangkok Canberra Canberra Frankfurt (Consulate) Geneva (Parepun) Guangzhou (Consulate) Jeddah (Consulate) Lisbon London 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 London London Madrid Paris Riyadh Seoul Tehran Tokyo Tunisia Vienna Washington 6 7 AMOUNT (PAK. Rs.) 50,000 33,300 50,000 39,416.40 25,983 S.NO 22 23 24 25 26 200,000 27 20,000 28 991,875 29 13,692 30 22,880 31 MISSION Berlin Colombo Dubai (Consulate) Jakarta Moscow New York (Parepun) New York (Consulate) Niamey Wellington Washington AMOUNT (US $) 500 1050 1100 400 500 500 150 100 300 500 191,869.92 67,260 70,000 108,000 218,480 14,880 20,000 75,426 15,000 50,000 123,116 TOTAL 40 AMOUNT (PAK. Rs.) RS. 2,401,178 + $ 5,100 PFOWA Reports 2014 (c) CONTRIBUTIONS BY DIPLOMATIC CORPS S.NO. NAME OF COUNTRY 1 2 3 Azerbaijan Bahrain Bangladesh 4 5 Brunei Darussalam China 6 7 8 Cuba Egypt India 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Indonesia Iran Japan Jordan South Korea Lebanon Malaysia Myanmar Nepal AMOUNT (PAK Rs.) S.NO. NAME OF COUNTRY AMOUNT (PAK Rs.) The Netherlands Palestine Philippines 72,300 18 21,200 19 30,000 20 20,000 21 Rs. 1,000,000 22 & Rs. 398,800 37,000 23 40,000 24 60,000 25 20,400 80,000 25,500 Russia Saudi Arabia 10,000 26 100,000 206,850 20,000 100,000 20,000 15,000 30,000 30,000 105,000 25,930 Sri Lanka Tajikistan Turkey 34,400 47,570 43,500 Vietnam 10,000 TOTAL Rs. 2,623,450/- (d) LOCAL / EXTERNAL / VARIOUS DONATIONS S.NO. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 SENDER Begum Mehmooda Mamoon Hussain, Spouse of President of Pakistan Donation from ALES, Tokyo. Mr. Moiz A. Bokhari MGYW, Los Angeles Roots Millennium Mr. Mujtaba Rahim, President,ARCHROMA Mr. Muhammad Akram Sheikh, Senior Advocate Mrs. Humaira Amjad Aziz Qazi, Parep Pretoria (For flood victims) AMOUNT (PAK Rs.) S.NO. 1,000,000 9 SENDER AMOUNT (PAK Rs.) Ms. Jannat Begum (For flood victims) 6,000 954,407 200,000 105,000 300,000 50,000 50,000 TOTAL 2,695,407 30,000 Annual Gazette 2014 | PFOWA 41 PFOWA Reports 2014 (e) CONTRIBUTIONS IN KIND FROM PAKISTAN MISSIONS ABROAD S.No Missions S.No Missions S.No Missions 1 Abu Dhabi 6 Kathmandu 11 Singapore 2 Amman 7 Manila 12 Stockholm 3 Ankara 8 Prague 13 The Hague 4 Chengdu 9 Pretoria 14 Washington 5 Hanoi 10 Sana’a (f) SPONSORS FOR RAFFLE TICKET 1 Chinese Embassy 11 Soviet Consultants 2 Lala Textile 12 Ramada Hotel 3 Durrani Associates 13 Serena Hotel 4 Gerry’s 14 Mobilink 5 Haier 15 Olive Garden 6 Stepnex 16 Marriott Hotel 7 Travel Times 17 Packages Ltd. Lahore 8 Bank Al-Falah 18 Telenor 9 National Bank of Pakistan 19 Zong 10 Travel Walji’s 20 United Bank Limited DETAILS OF BAZAAR INCOME 2014 S.No Details Pak Rs. 1 Contribution from Pakistan Missions abroad 2,401,178.00 5,100.00 2 Bazaar income (Stalls/Raffle Ticket) 1,546,680.00 95.00 3 After Bazaar Mini Sale 4 Donation by wife of President of Pakistan 5 Donation by Roots Millennium School 6 Contribution from Diplomatic Corps 42 US $ 330,900.00 1,000,000.00 300,000.00 2,623,450.00 TOTAL 8,202,208.00 5,195.00 Education Committee REPORT Mrs. Lyla Gardezi Secretary Education Jannat Begum Co-Secretary Education Inspired by Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah who described students as “real makers” of Pakistan, the Pakistan Foreign Office Women’s Association (PFOWA) attaches great importance to the promotion of education among children of officials of the Foreign Office. The Association allocates a significant portion of its budget in support of this objective. During 2014, various activities were undertaken in this regard like running training courses, providing school books, stationery items and bags, distributing cash grants etc. An overview of noteworthy steps taken by the Education Committee during 2014 are given below: - Every year PFOWA distributes school bags, books and stationery items to children of the staff (Grade 1-15) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The process begins with the collection of forms in January which are scrutinised by the Education Secretary and the PFOWA Executive and Education Committee members. In addition, cash coupons are given to students studying in private schools. During 2014, a total of 950 students of Grade 1 - 10 were facilitated in this way. - To encourage hard work among talented students, the PFOWA gives certificates, cash awards and prize bonds to Grade 1 - 10 students who secure 1st, 2nd, 3rd positions or obtain 85% marks in Board examination in August/September. Beginning 2014, President PFOWA decided to increase the number of prize bonds given to students in this category. Mrs. Zahra Wadood Fatemi, MNA (wife of Syed Tariq Fatemi, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs) and Mr. Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhary Foreign Secretary were the Chief Guests at the event held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to distribute such awards for 2014. - PFOWA Education Secretary and the Head of MGYW Los Angeles (US) signed an agreement under which a cheque for Rs 105,000/was provided to PFOWA for education scholarships. During 2014, the amount was distributed among 15 children. - The allocation for Higher Education was Annual Gazette 2014 | PFOWA 43 PFOWA Reports 2014 increased to Rs. 866,100/- enabling PFOWA to process approximately 350 such cases during the year. - Beginning 2015, President PFOWA announced a new initiative named the “Shaista Ikramullah” scholarship. This meritbased programme will be for post-graduate students. A circular inviting application for award of this scholarship for 2015 has already been issued. - The donation sent by a Korean national for charitable purposes, was given by PFOWA to True Worth Foundation, a non-profit NGO which aims to realize the potential of individuals. -During 2014, scholarships were also given to the following: - President of PFOWA has decided to pay the school fee of Hassan Fiazan (s/o Asad Ali staff member of PFOWA) who is studying in PAF Cadet College Sargodha. Although valid for the whole year, this scholarship is given in two installments (i.e June and December). - Rs. 23,760/- were provided to Saqib Raza son of Nazmeen Raza widow of an official of the 44 Foreign Affairs Ministry. - Rs. 5,000/- were given to Nadeem Ahmed, Naib Qasid enabling him to pay the school fee of his daughter. - Rs. 10,300/- scholarship was given to the daughter of Zahra Khalid widow of an official of the Foreign Affairs Ministry. - Rs. 40,000/- were paid to Mumtaz Hussain, Waiter-cum Naib Qasid for education fee of his son. - In collaboration with KSOFT Academy, PFOWA arranged computer courses for 17 children and incurred expenditure of Rs. 136,000/- in this regard. - Under the Shireen A. Moiz Educational Support Programme, Rs. 200,000 were distributed among sixteen children during 2014. As a result of the keen interest taken by President PFOWA and the active role of Education Committee Members, the Association has been able to fulfill its responsibilities. The various steps taken by the Education Committee during 2014 will also provide direction for activities for the next year. Social Welfare COMMITTEE Report Mrs. Mahwish Sohail Secretary Social Welfare Mrs. Asma Asim Co-Secretary Social Welfare “Never worry about numbers; help one person at a time and always start with person nearest to you” (Mother Teresa) The rationale for PFOWA’s existence is caring and sharing. We have been making every effort to bring a change in the lives of underprivileged and needy over the past many decades. This noble cause is being carried forward successfully with the assistance from society and prayers from the beneficiaries. To this end, last year PFOWA provided assistance in cash and kind worth Rs. 5.77 million for the destitute families with the hope that this small contribution would make their lives better. Since Charity begins at home, the Social Welfare Committee has been assigned the responsibility of PFOWA’s “In-House Program” through which assistance is provided to the Ministry’s staff and families, particularly widows, orphans, physically impaired and the sick. For them PFOWA acts as a social security net. Grant for Widows. The largest component of social welfare budget goes to the assistance of widows. This year an amount of Rs. 3.4 million was given for the welfare of widows. Efforts are in hand to extend additional help to those widows whose children are below the employable age and need our help the most. Marriage Assistance. PFOWA also provided marriage assistance to the needy families with a grant of Rs. 70,000/- as matrimonial support to the low paid Foreign Office employees. Medical Assistance. PFOWA also provided special monthly stipends to the most vulnerable families of officials, who have no other means of livelihood. As per need, we provide medical assistance for patients in distress, recurrent medical assistance for chronically ill patients and financial assistance in the event of deaths, accidents and disasters. Over the last year, PFOWA made significant strides in reaching out to communities, families and individuals outside the confines of Foreign Office. PFOWA continued to support different Non-Profit Medical Facilities, Community Based Organizations (CBOs) and NGOs to help them as much as possible. Donations and grants were provided to these organizations to compensate medical, educational and subsistence needs, livelihoods training and emergency relief of hundreds of people. The Executive Committee headed by President PFOWA Mrs. Najia Aizaz Ahmad visited each potential beneficiary and monitored the organizations and individuals receiving recurrent donations. Orphans and Children. PFOWA has been aiding the orphaned and abandoned children at SOS Children’s Village for many years. Last year, the Annual Gazette 2014 | PFOWA 45 PFOWA Reports 2014 they are celebrating Eid away from their homes. Financial Assistance to Flood Victims Each year floods present a huge challenge to the lives and livelihood of the people living in flood stricken areas. Continuing with the assistance of the past few years, PFOWA presented a donation of Rs. 300,000/- for the flood affectees through “True Worth Foundation.” This donation will go a long way to help the flood affectees build their lives. Besides, PFOWA donated Rs. 60,000/- to the families of flood victims with the hope that this small token would help them during their hour of need. Medical Assistance - Donation to NORI and Kidney Centre Executive Committee visited these children on 24 July 2014 and presented a donation of Rs. 200,000 for their well being and education. Donation by President PFOWA. On the occasion of Women’s day, Mrs. Najia Aizaz Ahmad, President PFOWA donated one of her paintings for the assistance of needy children at “Umeede-Noor.” The funds raised from the auction were passed over to “Umeed-e-Noor.” Relief goods and Eid Gifts for the Temporarily Displaced Persons (TDPs) Over the last decade, our society has been bravely facing the challenges of terrorism. This scourge has left hundreds and thousands of people temporarily displaced in the wake of ongoing military operations. To ease their discomfort, PFOWA extended relief support to TDPs in the form of food items worth Rs. 500,000/- during the holy month of Ramadan. In addition, PFOWA also donated toys, clothes and shoes as Eid Gifts for the TDPs through Umeed-e-Noor. The gift items were a token of help for the TDPs during their hard times when 46 President PFOWA along with members of the Executive Committee visited the Nuclear Oncology and Radiotherapy Institution (NORI) and presented a donation of Rs. 300,000/-. With the rising number of patients suffering from Cancer, this donation will help the affected people. PFOWA continued its humanitarian and medical assistance by providing a donation of Rs. 200,000 to the Kidney Centre at Karachi. This amount is dedicated for those patients who cannot afford treatment. Summary Assistance for Flood, Affected and Outreach Rs. 1,566,880 Medical Assistance (Monthly) Rs. 206,500/One Time Medical Assistance Rs. 150,000/Widow Assistance Rs. 3,482,900/- Marriage Assistance Rs. 70,000/- Eid, Ramzan and Christmas Rs. 302,000/- Total Rs. 5,778,280/- Bazaar Secretary’s Report Mrs. Siddiqa Tarar Secretary Bazaar 2014 Mrs. Shabana Zaheer Co-Secretary Bazaar 2014 Over the years, PFOWA's Annual Charity Bazaar has become one of the most eagerly awaited events of Islamabad's social calendar. Participation of Diplomatic Corps, hard work of PFOWA Executive Committee, contributions of Pakistan's Missions abroad and the unstinted cooperation of the leadership of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs combined to produce a memorable event held at Serena Hotel. The esteemed wife of the President of Pakistan, Begum Mehmooda Mamnoon Hussain graciously cut short her family engagements in Karachi to inaugurate PFOWA Bazaar 2014. She was received by the President and Executive Committee of PFOWA. After cutting the ribbon, Begum Sahiba visited various stalls put up by PFOWA and diplomatic missions. She took keen interest in the displayed items and commended the organizers. The Chief Guest also witnessed the "Cultural Mosaic" showcasing cultural highlights from different countries including China, Indonesia, Iraq, Japan, Lebanon, Myanmar, Poland, Russia, Saudi Arabia and Sudan. True to the spirit of exemplary Pakistan-China relations, the Embassy of the People's Republic of China was especially active in the Bazaar. Besides putting up a stall, and participating in the Cultural Mosaic, the Chinese Embassy also made a much appreciated contribution of One Million Rupees to PFOWA. In her welcome address, President PFOWA, Mrs Najia Aizaz Ahmad thanked Begum Mehmooda Mamnoon Hussain for her patronage and sparing so much of her valuable time. She also presented an overview of PFOWA's philanthropic activities besides thanking the various sponsors. She highlighted the fact that all PFOWA funds were scrupulously used for charitable causes. She announced further expansion of PFOWA scholarship schemes to encourage talented students of the Foreign Office community. The Chief Guest paid rich tributes to PFOWA and all the participating diplomatic missions. She expressed satisfaction at the vast spectrum of PFOWA's endeavors. The Chief Guest's generous donation of One Million Rupees to PFOWA was a great source of encouragement and a vote of confidence in the PFOWA leadership. Annual Gazette 2014 | PFOWA 47 PFOWA Reports 2014 The Foreign Secretary echoed the sentiments of the Foreign Office fraternity by expressing gratitude to Begum Mehmooda Mamnoon Hussain. He expressed satisfaction at PFOWA's charity programs. He also appreciated PFOWA members for their altruism which was exemplified by the fact that PFOWA did not have any administrative expenses. The cultural program also included a fashion show featuring a dazzling array of dresses reflecting the vibrancy of Pakistan's cultural and fashion scene. The musical performance by Amir Munawwar, a music graduate from the US based in Pakistan, who has composed music for various films and theater enthralled the audience. The 2014 Bazaar was a resounding success in terms of attendance and proceeds. An amount of Rs. 1,877,580.00 was raised from the stalls besides cash donations of Rs. 6,324,628.00 and US$ 5,100. Holding the Bazaar in Hotel Serena's lawn instead of a hall turned out to be a huge boon. The alfresco ambience added to the appeal of the event which attracted people from all walks of life. The visitors thoroughly enjoyed the wide variety of goods from all corners of the world besides being able to sample cuisine from different countries. It was gratifying to see the fruitification of the efforts of PFOWA as well as its friends and supporters. A special word of thanks for Serena Management would also be in order. Gratitude also to Mr Sartaj Aziz, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs and National Security and Syed Tariq Fatemi, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, who not only graced the Bazaar with their presence but provided valuable support and guidance to PFOWA. We, also are indebted to MOFA's Administration ably led by Mr Jauhar Saleem Additional Secretary as well as the Chief of Protocol Mr Moin-ul-Haque for, inter-alia, helping materialize the fashion show and mobilizing sponsorships. For me personally, it would be a pleasure to hand over the baton to the next Bazaar Secretary on such an auspicious note. 48 PFOWA Reports 2014 Thanks to the countries that participated in PFOWA Bazaar 2014 Azerbaijan Bahrain Bangladesh Brunei China Cuba Egypt India Indonesia Iran Iraq Japan Jordan Kenya Lebanon Malaysia Myanmar Nepal The Netherlands Palestine Philippines Russia Saudi Arabia South Africa South Korea Sri Lanka Sudan Tajikistan Turkey Vietnam Annual Gazette 2014 | PFOWA 49 PFOWA Reports 2014 PFOWA BAZAAR 2014, THE CHIEF GUEST Begum Mehmooda Mamoon Hussain graced PFOWA bazaar with her presence as the Chief Guest. She was received by President PFOWA. Mrs. Najia Aizaz Ahmad and PFOWA Executive Committee. After the formal inauguration of the bazaar, the Chief Guest visited each stall and appreciated the efforts of PFOWA. She was pleased to see the cultural performances by different countries. The Chief Guest also made an encouraging speech and valued PFOWA's charity efforts. 50 PFOWA Reports 2014 PFOWA BAZAAR 2014 Annual Gazette 2014 | PFOWA 51 PFOWA Reports 2014 PFOWA BAZAAR 2014 52 PFOWA Reports 2014 PFOWA BAZAAR 2014 Annual Gazette 2014 | PFOWA 53 PFOWA Reports 2014 PFOWA BAZAAR 2014 54 PFOWA Reports 2014 PFOWA BAZAAR 2014 Annual Gazette 2014 | PFOWA 55 PFOWA Reports 2014 PFOWA BAZAAR 2014 56 PFOWA Reports 2014 PFOWA BAZAAR 2014 Annual Gazette 2014 | PFOWA 57 PFOWA Reports 2014 PFOWA BAZAAR 2014 58 PFOWA Reports 2014 PFOWA BAZAAR 2014 Annual Gazette 2014 | PFOWA 59 PFOWA Reports 2014 PFOWA BAZAAR 2014 60 PFOWA Reports 2014 PFOWA BAZAAR 2014 Annual Gazette 2014 | PFOWA 61 PFOWA Reports 2014 PFOWA BAZAAR 2014 62 Extraordinary, Ordinary People Extraordinary, Ordinary People By Sameer Ahmad Diplomatic life, all things considered, is a pretty interesting life. You get to meet people from all walks of life—talented artists, singers, businesspeople, speakers, doctors, travelers, and humanitarians. Many of these people have achieved grand successes in their respective fields, and are worthy representatives of their profession, culture and country. I can’t count how many stories I’ve heard and people I have had the pleasure of meeting that have shaken up my worldview, renewed my faith and hope, and provided me with a profound sense of moral courage and optimism. The older I grow, the more I feel it to be one of my life’s great privileges to have always found myself, either by incidence or by some destiny of sorts, to be surrounded by very many extraordinary people. But of the many stories I’ve heard and the many hands I’ve shaken, perhaps there is one that stands out. It’s a story I heard while walking along the banks of the glimmering and grand Tagus River of Lisboa, Portugal, one fine sunny afternoon this past summer. I was on a vacation escapade in Portugal, accompanied by my friend Isaac, who works in the Netherlands as a security guard. We had spent the day touring the main sites of Lisbon, wandering around in awe of the stunning and spectacular beauty of this hilly and majestic city. We visited the Jeronimos Monastery from the Renaissance Era, hiked and roamed through the magnificent castle of San Jorge and the Moorish compounds, stumbled through the historic alleys and districts of Lisbon’s center, and saw the monuments and statues dedicated to the Portuguese sailors and discoverers. Eventually by late afternoon we found ourselves at the riverbanks of the spectacular River Tagus, the beating heart of Lisbon. It was a gorgeous day, with a spotless sky and the scorching heat of the sun rays setting the sapphire- blue river alight beautifully with a million golden sparkles. Maybe it was just the calming demeanor of the Tagus, but I found myself in somewhat of a reflective mood. I had fallen in love with the city, and I was glad Isaac had come with me. Travel companions can sometimes grow tired of each other but Isaac and I made a good tourist duo. But I also realized then that although I had known Isaac to be a standup guy; I knew him to be honest, hardworking, and passionate about his job—I otherwise knew very little about the man, about who he really was and where he came from. We were at two very different stages of our lives – he a family man with a wife and with kids nearly my age, and I someone who had only just begun taking my first steps into the working world. We had walked on vastly different paths our whole lives, yet here we both were, in Portugal’s capital, at the same time, enjoying a getaway from the locomotion of our daily lives. Annual Gazette 2014 | PFOWA 63 Extraordinary, Ordinary People So I prodded a bit, asking him how he ended up working and settling down in Europe. “I’ve had a good life”, he responded calmly, “a very good life in fact. But it wasn’t always this way”. It was then that Isaac revealed to me the remarkable and implausible story of his life, starting from his humble beginnings in his native home of Skardu, close to Kashmir, growing up under the ragged air of poverty. He lived in a very large family with ten brothers and sisters, and as the eldest of all his siblings, assumed a father-like role to his siblings very early on, and learned to hunt and fish to help his father put food to the table. They weren’t alone in the house either – they lived alongside his uncle’s family, which was not much smaller. Times remained persistently tough for the two families, but by living together, they were better prepared to cope with the tough times. But just when all seemed to be humming along smoothly, any progress that Isaac’s family had made over the years in slowly climbing out of poverty came tumbling down when Isaac’s father and uncle got into a quarrel, with his uncle arguing that Isaac’s father had too many children to feed for both of them to support. Facing eviction, Isaac would live in a crowded one-room house alongside all his brothers and sisters for a few years, and it well and truly felt that he and his family were right back at the start, a distant mile away from ensuring a better life in the years ahead. 64 luggage docking station. Under the suffocating heat and hazardous work conditions, he worked long and tireless shifts, loading and unloading heavy luggage, living in a makeshift shack and sending most of his salary back to his family. “No, not in the least. I just knew in my heart that I’d find a way” By the time Isaac had reached this part in his story, we were crossing under Lisbon’s grandest suspension bridge, where a young skinny boy was leaning against the wall, strumming a beautiful tune of Fado music on his guitar and singing something in Portuguese. His darker, bronze-like complexion suggested that he was not native to Portugal – possibly an immigrant from North Africa. But here he was, in the heart of Portugal, playing a melody that was very much part of Portugal’s history and culture, even if he himself wasn’t. I wondered to myself what must’ve spurred him to leave wherever he was from and make his journey here. Isaac and I fell quiet momentarily, just listening and looking onwards, our silence only to be broken by an admittance: “One thing is true-- I never hated any of my jobs. In fact, my bosses, with the grace of God, have always seemed to like me. They’d usually want for me to stay onwards with them, but with my brothers and sisters growing older, I too needed to find better opportunities” “But let me tell you something – I always knew that God had some plan for me –a grander plan for my life. I figured that so long as I worked earnestly, he’d pave the way for me” He worked several years on those loading docks, but during this time he received word that his father was feeling increasingly ill and could no longer work enough to support the education of his children. “That was the most difficult period of my life”, he said, ”with my siblings growing up, I knew I would have to drop out of school, leave town and find work in the city if my family was to sustain itself”. “I made a vow to my father that day – that I would not let my brothers or sisters leave school early to find work. They had to make something of themselves, and I didn’t need a degree to tell me just how important school was going to be for their future. So I promised him I’d find the funds to get them all to at least a Masters degree”. So at 16, he ran away to a dusty and bustling neighborhood of Rawalpindi, finding work at a “Did you have a plan on how you intended on doing that?” I wondered out loud, After a series of odd jobs, including as a cook, Isaac found an opening in the Navy as an assistant to a Naval Officer, a job he considers his big break. His work ethic was noticed quickly in the military, and the Naval Officer recommended that he continue working with them on their overseas assignment. This, and then a stint with another diplomat, led him to places like Singapore and Malaysia and Syria and finally to the Netherlands, where he is now gainfully employed. His tremendous work ethic had throughout made him, in many ways, indispensable— no one wanted to get rid of a man whose willingness to work seemed to have no end. We didn’t realize it, but by now Isaac and I had been walking along the banks of the river for over three hours, covering a distance that is usually taken on a train. Most of his siblings have now graduated, or are in the final stages of their Masters degrees, and he has three kids of his own who are also all studying in school. “They rely on me entirely to work and send money back – if something goes wrong, the whole system is like a cobweb- it collapses. But I know that school will pay off; maybe that’s God’s plan for me – to be someone for my siblings and for my own kids that my own father, bless him, could not for me”. “Besides, Sameer sahib, I can’t complain. God’s paved this way for me—those nights, living in that Extraordinary, Ordinary People shack after my father and uncle fought, well I don’t know how, I..” His voice began to crack, and he struggled for a moment, as if he had just opened the hatch to memories that time had long buried. “Well, He’s gotten me through a lot – and now I’ve seen the Pyramids, roamed across the capitals of Europe- seen the world and I’m still going”. Clearing his voice, he said something that I think encompasses the gist of his remarkable tale: “But you see, my life’s been writsten for me. Our destinies are written for all of us – but we can only fully discover what is written by putting our hearts into our circumstances and do the best with what we’re given”. The events in Isaac’s life are certainly quite extraordinary, but I’ve always believed since that day that what is even more remarkable is the mesmerizing way in which Isaac revealed his life’s journey, one which my powers as a writer are too inadequate to convey and do justice to. There was an inexplicable warmth and genuineness to the manner in which he spoke of his struggles, of his dreams and of his ambitions, as if to immediately disarm any listener of any previously held prejudices. Equally impressive was the way in which he articulated the firm conviction of his heart; that he existed for a bigger purpose, even when brought up in abject poverty and even when the universe seemed to be against him from the start. Here was a man, who regardless of the cards life had dealt him, remained so hopeful and optimistic about his future, carrying an affable smile and cheerful demeanor that would never let you suspect for the slightest moment what it truly guarded –a strenuous and fractured past, and the stress of an uncertain future. been, I wonder, that even though his pain was an ocean of unknowable and haunting depths, he upholds a sure-fire belief that fate was somehow hurrying to meet him, to carve a path out for him, and that all he had to do was to meet it halfway by doing his part of putting his heart into his work and everything that he did! I’ve long believed that every person we meet enters our life for a purpose. Every person. I can’t explain exactly why I believe this so, but I do believe it. From time to time, on my bike rides or at night when sleep escapes me, I think back to many of the people, strangers and friends, who I’ve had the good fortune of meeting. Those from my Daewoo bus trips from Lahore to Islamabad, to the pizzerias and delis outside of my school on the corner of Lexington Avenue in New York City to the cafes in The Hague and Berlin. I think back to some of these extraordinary people and their extraordinary stories, and how they’ve come to shape my own worldview and perspective, and I realize something. It’s that the trials, tribulations and triumphs of our lives become at once both communal and unique. Their stories –of enduring, of courage, of hope and of overcoming—they become our own stories. They do so in that their stories have the power of becoming guiding lanterns of our own lives, to guide us through the commotion of our own day to day challenges and to be inspired from their examples. At the end of the day, all of life is a series of stories, and many times our own stories will intersect. Some people may be in our lives for the entire story. Others may be in just for a page or chapter or two. But everyone has the power to make an impact in your life, and so their presence is important, regardless of the level of visible success or popularity. We meet no ordinary people in our lives. If given a chance, everyone has something extraordinary to offer. It’s funny, we look so often for inspiration from motivation speakers or movie clips or speeches or counselors or twitter feeds, or TED talks. And those resources are all fine and well. But in the process, we sometimes tend to forget that so many extraordinary people are right around us, in our very own circles—it’s just that the vessels of these extraordinary stories are in fact, ordinary people. The only choice we make is whether to listen… "At the end of the day, all of life is a series of stories, and many times our own stories will intersect." How hopeful this man had to have Annual Gazette 2014 | PFOWA 65 Life After Retirement By Temriz Khalid I guess such is life, like a circle that goes around, you begin somewhere and eventually you come back to the same place after completing the round…and I suppose this is also what keeps us young at heart, although our bodies tell us otherwise, unfortunately! To retire means you have given up your work because you have reached a certain age, which could be 60 to 65 or even 70. The fact is that a woman is never entitled to give up her work because she will always remain the person who has to run the house, care for the whole family and their needs as well as to help her children with their lives whether they are single or married. At times she has the duty of also taking care of grandchildren. I always imagined or thought that relaxation, enjoyment and ‘time for myself’ would be mine when I no longer had to be ‘on duty’ alongwith my husband at official functions because of his job. On the contrary, I find as if, in my life now, I have gone back in time and am having to do all those things I started off doing earlier on when I was young. 66 Being retired brings the realization that you have to cope with a lot of things yourself and often you hear this… Husband: Can you please….. Son: Can’t find my….. Granddaughters: Can I have some….. Me: Oh! No….. Some amusing anecdotes to mention here. When we were leaving Belgium, our last posting, friends were giving us farewell dinners and at one of them a Belgian friend told me, “Good luck, you’ll be getting double the husband for half the pay”! Hadn’t thought of that at all but it sounded funny at that time and we enjoyed a good laugh. Thus, when we went to bid farewell to the then King, Albert of Belgium, he asked me what I was planning to do now that we were retiring. I dared to be informal enough and said to him “ Life wouldn’t be easy for me because I would have double the husband for half the salary”. He chuckled and seemed to enjoy that. One thing we are enjoying is watching our two granddaughters grow. They bring laughter in our lives with the cute little things they say. One morning when they were staying with us the older one, Zohra, who was 3 then, was trying to wake me up so that I could give her chocolate milk. When the grand dad offered to make the chocolate milk for her, she said to him, “Nana, you can’t make my milk, you’re a man!” They spend a lot of time with me since their mother works, some time back I had told them, “I’m your old Mama and Mama is your younger one”. Little Selen suddenly told me that the other day, and I was really surprised she remembered that after such a long time. A friend of mine used to go to her grandson’s nursery to drop and fetch him daily. One day, the little boy told her “Grandma, don’t come out of the car today, I’m a big boy and I can go in by myself”, she said “No, why not, I enjoy coming in and meeting all your friends”. He replied, “but they tell me your mother is too old”! All in all, at least in retirement one should be able to profit from the chance to relax and reflect on one’s life as the years have gone by. One shouldn’t have to suffer from stress nor should one be a carrier of it….easier said than done! When one feels one is being pulled in all directions one should stop and actually RETIRE from it ALL! "PAKISTAN-TURKEY DOSTULUK" interview of Ambassador of Turkey to Pakistan By Mrs. Saima Usman in Asia. It will be even more prominent globally in the coming years. As a Turkish diplomat, it is also a great honor to be serving in brotherly Pakistan. We are truly made to feel at home here by our gracious hosts. It is also very rewarding from a professional perspective. We have a positive agenda with a lot of untapped potential to realize. Q1. How would you like to describe your stay in Pakistan from a diplomatic perspective? As a diplomat I find it a great privilege to be serving in an important country such as Pakistan. This is Asia’s century and Pakistan is a prominent country Q2. Turks always refer to people of Pakistan as ‘Kardesh’ (brother). Keeping this in mind do you see any similarities between Turkish and Pakistani culture? Of course, a lot. There are many similarities owing to our shared Islamic culture and also our historical relationship. Both countries are predominantly Muslim. These give us similar approaches to life, Annual Gazette 2014 | PFOWA 67 Interview of Ambassador of Turkey to Pakistan similar ethics, traditions and culture. For example, our wedding traditions are very similar with ‘mehndi’ and others. Our cuisines have similarities. We use the same names for similar dishes like ‘biryani-buryani’, ‘keema-kiyma’, ‘tandooritandir’, ‘halwa-helva’ and, not similar in name but in content, ‘lassi-ayran’. Our languages have thousands of words in common. Eight thousand, I was told. The word ‘Urdu’ in fact is of Turkish origin, meaning ‘army’. There is also tremendous resemblance in physical features of our peoples. When we are out on the street with the family, we are often thought to be Pakistanis and addressed directly in Urdu. Q3. Please share with us your daily routine in Islamabad and how do you like spending your weekend? My daily routine is centered on work. I am very happy to be in a country with which we have intense relations. I start the day by going through the news from Turkey and then those of Pakistan. Reviewing progress in ongoing projects and programs is the next step. Planning ahead also requires time. I also reserve time in the morning and in the afternoon for incoming or outgoing visits or meetings. I try to leave office in time for dinner and pay attention 68 to have lunches and dinners at home with my family. The weekends are also reserved as much as possible for quality time with the family. We have a nice garden which we enjoy very much. Sometimes we travel within Pakistan over the weekend; it is refreshing. Q4. Any interesting experience during your stay in Pakistan so far. Mrs. Aslı Girgin: When we first arrived, the Lok Mela by Lok Virsa was a very enlightening experience into the rich cultural heritage of different regions of Pakistan. Just a brief visit was enough to understand how resourceful and big Pakistan is. There is a more personal experience I had, at first it was interesting but now we are accustomed to it: being treated as Pakistanis, and being addressed in Urdu when in the city as civilians. Also the degree of reverence and love for Maulana Jalaluddin Rumi all around the country impressed me a lot. As you know he lived in Turkey and his tomb is in Konya. Finally the interest in Turkish TV drama series was a surprise for me. Q5. You also spent your childhood in Pakistan. Any memory that you still recall and would like to share with readers and do you find Pakistan any different now? Interview of Ambassador of Turkey to Pakistan Unfortunately I do not have any memories. I was born when my father was working in Rawalpindi. But my mother went home to Istanbul for my birth and my father left Pakistan shortly thereafter. I was given the name ‘Babur’ to remind them of Pakistan. Throughout my childhood I cherished this special link of mine with Pakistan and I am very happy to have finally returned ‘home’! My parents did visit us after our arrival here. They had not been back for almost half a century. They could not recognize Islamabad as it had only a few buildings then. They remember the Foreign Office building which was Sheherzad Hotel at the time, and the Secretariat buildings which were being constructed. They barely recognized Rawalpindi, except for the old parts. Of course it has been a long time and cities have developed. My father-in- "I find Pakistani people very innovative and industrious and also resilient in the face of challenges. When they put their mind to it, they can achieve anything. Pakistanis are also a very friendly and generous people." law had also been to Islamabad in the eighties and he observed many developments as well. Q6. Which parts of Pakistan have you visited and liked the most so far? I travel as much as I can. MashaAllah Pakistan is a beautiful country. With the family we have been to Lahore and Karachi and parts of Punjab and Sindh. I also visited Swat with my wife. Malam Jabba was breathtaking. We were told about it before, but seeing is believing! I also visited Quetta, Kashmir and several times Khyber Pakhtunkhwa beyond Peshawar. We are looking forward to visiting Gilgit-Baltistan which we are told is very picturesque as well. I like it wherever I go. But some distinct places are the Badshahi Mosque and Hazoori Bagh in Lahore, mazaars of Makli in Thatta, the shores of the Indus near Swabi. Mrs. Aslı Girgin: Each location has its own beauty. The nature of Northern regions, the historical beauties of Punjab, the handicrafts all around, the colorful costumes and jewelry of particularly the Annual Gazette 2014 | PFOWA 69 Interview of Ambassador of Turkey to Pakistan South are all gems of Pakistan. Lahore Museum is rich enough to be considered as one of the leading historical heritage museums of the World. Q7. Your impression and views about people of Pakistan? I find Pakistani people very innovative and industrious and also resilient in the face of challenges. When they put their mind to it, they can achieve anything. Pakistanis are also a very friendly and generous people. To us Turks they are truly brotherly. The hospitality in a Pakistani home is impressive indeed. I observe that living together as larger families helps preserve traditions better; especially for the upbringing of the younger ones. When I compare it with Turkey, which is more than sixty percent urbanized now, I see the downside of having smaller family units living in apartments. Q8. Your favorite Pakistani cuisine. We love Pakistani food and have it regularly at home as well. Haleem, biryanis, the royal dish of murgh malai wala are our favorites at home. We find the spices truly uplifting. Initially I got accustomed to having keema and paratha for breakfast but it had its toll on the waistline! Now I take it in moderation. My only disappointment when we arrived was to discover that you cannot find those delicious mangoes all year round. Mrs. Aslı Girgin: I have a particular liking for Pakistani desserts. My favorites are gulab jamun and rasmalai. And all fruits of Pakistan are so special! Q9. Turkey is a very culturally rich country and so is Pakistan. What one aspect of our culture you would like to take along with you and will share with your family and friends back home? There is so much that we admire and enjoy of 70 Pakistani culture. Physically we give Pakistani handicrafts as gifts to family and friends. However, we send a lot of photographs of the beautiful sceneries and historical sites as well. What we really share are our observations and experiences about Pakistan and its people. We always tell how different reality is from the misrepresented image that exists in the international press. Mrs. Aslı Girgin: I would say, for ourselves we would take along, together with beautiful friendships, the enchantingly colorful textiles that you have. And of course recipes of the Pakistani cuisine. Q10. Urdu language has a very strong Turkish influence. Do you find it easy to understand our national language? Yes, there are many common words, in fact several thousands of them. I think they are mostly nouns and adjectives, verbs are more particular. I speak a bit of Urdu and already speaking Turkish helps a lot. Q11. Turkish dramas are really popular in Pakistan. Do you plan to introduce Pakistani drama series in Turkey as well? Turkish dramas are popular in many countries these days. In the Middle East, in the Balkans and in Central Asia as well I believe. They have high visual qualities technically and in terms of garments and accessories as well. However, their scenarios are Interview of Ambassador of Turkey to Pakistan sometimes not true to our daily life or historical facts. They are meant for entertainment and should be watched as such. Not as documentaries reflecting Turkish culture. But these days new dramas are emerging which place emphasis in being true to history. I hope they will also appear before Pakistani audiences soon. As for Pakistani dramas in Turkey, it could be feasible as we have a common culture, however the producers in Pakistan have to market them. After all, Turkish dramas are brought to Pakistan by private TV channels. What I think would be even better is joint productions of dramas. It would be beneficial for both countries. Q12. How do you see Pak-Turkey brotherly relations in future? From a political perspective we have excellent and strategic relations with Pakistan. However, there is work to be done in many fields to fully tap the potential. We need improvement in our economic relations, there is a lot of potential there. And this is underway. The same is true in the energy field. Our cultural and educational relations are progressing. I see a very bright future for an even stronger relationship between our two truly brotherly countries. Q13. Your views about general diplomatic life in Islamabad. Islamabad has a large diplomatic community, around eighty embassies. This creates a lot of activity. In some weeks there are national day celebrations almost every night. Sometimes there are several events in the same day and it becomes hectic. Diplomats are treated as precious guests by local authorities and by the inhabitants of the capital. We are looked after very well for all our needs. We thank all our Pakistani hosts and friends for making life easier for us. Q14. Your message to our readers. Turks and Pakistanis have a truly special affection for each other. Any Pakistani who visits Turkey or any Turk who visits Pakistan will witness this. Also Turkish and Pakistani diplomats have a tradition of solidarity, socially and professionally, in whichever country they are. We cherish these bonds and hope to pass them on to future generations. Pakistan Turkery dosti zindabad! Annual Gazette 2014 | PFOWA 71 From Me To You By Hina Ali Come not to my grave and weep Pile not all your sorrows in a heap Get out of your head, give our mothers a hug Fight your fears, stand with our fathers and brothers on the prayer rug Come not to my grave and weep Let not the nightmares keep Battle the demons night and day Rid the world of this scum, keep them at bay! Come not to my grave and weep For I am not buried in the sand so deep I am with my God, high in the heavens above I am happy, basking in His love Dedicated to the victims of terrorism all over the world, particularly the shuhada of 16-Dec-2014 at APS, Peshawar 72 True salary of a doctor By Dr. Talha Salman Bashir An excited young physician sits among some 300 individuals on an Airbus A340. As we follow the sun around the earth at 600 miles an hour destroying circadian rhythms, cruising at an altitude of 35000ft over the Atlantic Ocean, it seems that little can go wrong as the hours go by. His overhead stowage contains a satchel full of medical school degrees, letters of recommendations, exam results and other paraphernalia which he will present upon starting his internal medicine residency training. While watching my 7th episode of "How I Met your mother" on the typical 12 inch screen and barely functioning headset, my show is interrupted by an announcement, "This better be good", I think to myself. "Ladies and gentlemen, would those with medical training please make themselves known to the flight crew. There is a medical emergency on the aircraft." There is bound to be a hot shot doc sitting in business class that is probably already stenting that heart or intubating that airway or dialysing those kidneys. Why risk it Bashir? Better to just sit tight, just another 5 hours to go. The announcement is made again after 10 mins, "This is our second request ladies and gentlemen please if there is a doctor on board please make yourself known to the flight crew". My thoughts start to race, "to be or not to be" "action or inaction". In the midst of this dilemma the button has been pressed and the light overhead is now on. An airhostess approaches with a bottle of water but is met with a timid voice "Is there a true medical emergency on this plane". She states "are you a doctor?", the timid voice replies "Yes. I am a resident physician." The passenger in the seat next to me basks in the drama unfolding next to him. To break from the plot for a second, I was flying to the USA to start residency after completing medical school and one year of surgical house job training. The airhostess asks me to follow her to the front of the plane. I am told that I would have to provide some proof of my medical training and qualification, of which I had a bag full. As I course through the aisle towards the cockpit, it seemed as if I am being led to the cockpit itself. "Hope its not the pilot" I think to myself or else the fate of this plane rests on my shoulder. To me it seemed the turbulence in the plane increased and Dark clouds can be seen below amassing, spewing lightening and thunder, like an exorcism movie. The delusion of grandeur was short lived and to my relief, I am debriefed about an elderly gentleman in business class who has collapsed in the bathroom. An 82 year old with a history of multiple myeloma and end stage renal disease who is on hemodialysis is reclined almost to a supine state in a luxurious business class seat. He is panting and sweating profusely appears exhausted and fatigued. He had, before his departure attended many a farewell dinner and during one of those dinners last night he was met with a versatile foe, an expired drum stick. His wife sits with him worried but able to provide more history. "I told you that drumstick was rotten, I have had Diarrhea for the last 24hours" the man says to his wife. This Annual Gazette 2014 | PFOWA 73 True Salary of a Doctor gentleman had been struggling with MM for past several years during which time this clonal plasma cell disorder had probably turned his kidneys in to a proteinaceous goo of amyloid. He has been regular with his dialysis for the past 3 years and last received dialysis a day before boarding the plane. Another young lady stands by his side with another airhostess, She introduces herself as an RN (whom we will refer to as Amber in this article), I introduced myself as a resident physician. Only thing that is missing is a hospital bed, monitors, medicines, consultants and coffee. I introduce myself to the patient and her wife. Luckily they belong to my home town and a comfort of the known sets in. He does not have medical bracelet or any medical records with him. A bad case of gastroenteritis I think to myself, as I question circumstances and symptomology surrounding the episode of collapse. "Seems pretty vasovagal to me. Should assess his hydration status" I think to myself. Our patient protrudes, a parched and cratered tongue. Dry lips and a skin turgor which is significantly delayed is noted. One of the senior Airhostesses comes to the scene and asks other passengers to stay in their seats and to stop obstructing the aisles to witness this drama unfolding. She then presents Amber and I with a briefcase with a red cross etched on it. Medical supplies! In the contents of the bag there is an impressive array of gadgets and gizmos of the medical trade. Of course a blood pressure set, stethoscope and torchlight lie on top. Underneath IV sets with RL and Normal Saline bottles, Laryngoscope with endotracheal tube, Scalpels, syringes, alcohol swabs and enough sterile gauze to make a blanket. Among the medicines contained in his box are aspirin, antihistamines, Acetaminophen, antinausea medications, Epi-pens, beta agonist inhalers and others. Another crew member brings another smaller brief case containing a defibrillator set with cardiac monitor on it along with multiple medications right off an ACLS check list. Amber starts to record vitals while I come up with management plan. Two flight crew members, Amber and I are managing this Patient, still 4 hours from landing. Flight crew are well meaning, involved and very cooperative. I have had a similar experience twice in the past (involving a Grand mal seizure and a panic attack lady) and airline crew on both flights were very nonchalant. I explain to the patient's wife that it seems very clear that he is very dehydrated and the best course of management would be to administer some IV fluids. Now in a hospital that is an order that is carried out without any qualms but in the tight fuselage of an Airbus, IV access is easier said than done. Especially in a dehydrated hemodialysis patient. 74 The lighting is inadequate but Flight crew with torches make excellent light sources. Amber had stuck the patient quite a number of times without success and so had I and before we had defiled our 'do no harm' intention the idea was abandoned. During the course of the commotion the patient had been given orange and apple juice to breathe life into his glycolysis, and this had improved his mentation. An age old tried and tested remedy, which has saved millions in the past and continues to do so in the developing world, ORS was prepared with a couple of teaspoons of sugar and some salt. The patient was given this concotion in the form of a large plastic cup with a straw. His mentation continued to improve. About 30-40mins later the patient, once playing in the fields with the grim reaper had returned to his business class seat. As he continued to improve we went back to our seats only to find cookies at our seats. Trans fatty acids but I don’t mind at the moment. There are also papers asking us to join some special club to accumulate flier miles to which several miles would be added. Spoils of war before the battle is over. Arrangements were now being made for immediate medical evacuation at landing at our destination. We continued to monitor the patient with half hourly rounds until landing. I was asked to prepare a brief summary of events and impressions which would be handed to emergency medical staff at the destination. They would evacuate the patient at landing before the anticlimactic pilgrimage of the masses, out of the aircraft. A final glance at the patient before transfer out of unit A340, twenty minutes before landing. "Patient is maintaining well, fully oriented in time, place and person" I think to myself. After 2 hours of sipping on a sufficient amount of the minerals of life. He is maintaining well at this point, his sweat having dried off his brow. He is asking about what was to happen next. Both him and his wife express gratitude for the assistance provided, the true salary of a junior doctor. As we depart the plane the crew of the airplane also express their relief and gratitude. We return to our lives. After a couple of weeks, I received a letter in the mail. It is the from one of the senior airhostesses who had been assisting us in the ariel encounter. To my astoundment, a one million dollar cheque falls out of the letter, along with an Airline post card. The back reads "I cannot thank you enough for your assistance with the medical case on last week's flight! I found out that our guest's condition improved in part to your efforts. It would be a honor and a pleasure to see you on one of our flights again soon !"... and the million dollar cheque was actually a Target gift card. Traveling Pakistan By Marcel De Vink Ambassador of the Netherlands to Pakistan "The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely, or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet, alone with the heavens, nature, and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be." This beautiful quote is taken from Anne Frank (19291945), the young Jewish writer from Amsterdam who was one of the victims of the Holocaust and who became a famous writer after her intriguing and moving diary (The diary of Anne Frank) was published. The phrase always resonated strongly with me. And it always makes me long for the mountains. I was not afraid, lonely or unhappy when I set out in 2005 to travel to Pakistan. I just had a strong desire to explore the country that I had heard so much about. I was curious to find out what it had to offer in terms of diversity, its culture and heritage. Moreover, I was drawn to explore the country that was home to the highest mountains of the world with evocative names like the Gasherbrum, the Rakaposhi and the Nanga Parbat. Ever since my early childhood days my parents made sure to take us to the mountains every year. There was always a huge sensation seeing the Swiss Alps rising in front of us after a long drive. The long hikes,and later alpine and rock climbing would instill a love for the mountains that never left my brother and me. Not just in summer but also in winter. It's always been slightly mysterious why Dutch flatlanders have such an outside love for the slopes. Maybe it's because The Netherlands is small, densely populated and living on unstable, often reclaimed land. Ever since the days of the Dutch East India Company they have looked outward for everything they could not get at home. Before reaching the mountains I spent time in Lahore, Peshawar and Swat. I was impressed with the culture and the hospitality of the people (in Swat travelers in the minibus insisted paying for me all the time). But I was impatient to reach the mountains. After well over two weeks in the country I finally reached Gilgit. Heavy snowfall in May prevented me from crossing the Lowari pass to Chitral. Up in Hunza it felt as it should be. Looking up from the Baltit Inn in Karimabad, surrounded by roses, the view was overwhelming with poplars, apricot and walnut trees and the imposing Rakaposhi mountain range in the distance, right behind the famous fortress. It was here that James Hilton situated the Shangri-La of his novel The Lost Horizon. Where else. From there the only way was up. It was too early in the season to make the long treks I had in mind but I will never forget venturing into these untouchable mountains. The journey did not end there. I crossed the Karakoram into China. I kept looking over my shoulders looking back at the mountains disappearing in the back. In May 2013, 8 years after my trip, I received a call from the personnel department of the Foreign Ministry. On behalf of the senior Management Board I was asked whether I would like to become the next Ambassador to Pakistan. Without hesitation I accepted.... Annual Gazette 2014 | PFOWA 75 Multan feels the b l u e s By Zahra Gardezi The city of Multan is particularly revered for two aspects of its culture: the impressive Sufi-shrines and their mystical atmosphere, and Blue pottery. Blue pottery, also called Kashi pottery, has remained a cultural symbol in Multani houses through the times. It has also attracted international recognition for it’s finesse and traditional aesthetic. This art originated in Kashghar valley, China and travelled through Central Asia where it is still prevalent in traditional art, before coming to Multan. Multani craftsmen were able to add indigenous designs reflecting Multani art to the pots and add cultural value. In the art of blue pottery–making, skilled potters create vases and bowls of various shapes and sizes and paint unique blue ceramic designs on them. Each pot undergoes a lengthy process of kneading, grinding, filtration, 76 molding and finally baking at 800 degrees, before reaching its final appearance. However, in recent times, Kashi poettery has begun to feel the blues: artisans have moved away Multan feels the blues from blue-pottery making and into more lucrative professions in which a lack of infrastructure and the inability to earn a stable livelihood are not the problems. The government has launched various initiatives to revive this dying art. For example Ahan a government organization patronizes local artists who work with Kashi artists; it takes orders to ensure quality products. In addition, there is a shop in Multan Cantt shopping centre which deals in Kashi art as well as other culturally significant art. Private initiatives have also been taken; the Institute of Blue Pottery Development on Mumtazabad Road allows visitors to see the step-by-step making of these pieces. Moreover, new types of furnaces and methods of glazing have been introduced to ensure better quality, durable pottery pieces. It is important to preserve the traditional art of Blue Pottery and to do so, it must be encouragedbought, displayed in homes, and used for the purpose that specific object serves. The revival of this art will mean the preservation of Multani culture-true heritage! DETAIL OF THE PROCESS Body Formation: 50% clay, 25% quartz, 25% feldspar with sufficient water is charged in 1 ton Ball Mill and grinded for about 24 hours upto 800 mesh particle size as a result we get body or slurry which is shifted to a storage tank. Filtration: mould. As the thickness of the layer becomes as per requirement of the piece the excess slip is shifted and purred into the next mould. After sufficient time the piece leaves the mould and is then picked out of the mould. ump sucks the slurry or body from the storage tank P and pushes it into the filter press. The impurities in the body are washed out along with water and as result we get filter cake in solid form. Pug Milling: Slip Formation: Jiggering: T he filter cake is recharged in ball mill water is added and grinded for 3 or 4 hours. As a result slip (liquid form) is obtained. Casting: T he slip is pureed into the mould made up of plaster of Paris. The mould absorbs water from the slip and a uniform layer starts to form inside the T he filter cake is charged into the pug mill the pump creates vacuum and as a result air free body role comes out. T he body role is utilized on jiggering machine to make regular of flat shaped items like Dinner Plate, Saucers, cups, soup bowls etc. Cutting & Joining: T he excess parts of the items received after causting and jiggering are cut and handles are joined with. All this is done by hand. Annual Gazette 2014 | PFOWA 77 Multan feels the blues Biscuit Firing: T he items in green stage are loaded in the kiln and backed on 850 C. The temperature is increased very slowly so that to control cracking. Kashi: T he items after biscuit firing are kashied. Kashi is the famous traditional art of Multan. Cleaning: ll the pieces after Kashi are cleaned by dust with A the help of air pressure. Glazing: ll the pieces are glazed in which white layer of A glaze comes over the kashied pieces. Drying: ll the items are left in dryer for 2 or 3 days to make A them moisture free. Finishing: ll the pieces are finished by hand to make the A surfaces smooth. Glost Firing: The pieces after glazing are loaded in the kiln and backed on 1200 C, the temperature is increased and decreased very slowly so that to avoid cracking. The white layer of glaze becomes transparent and glassy and the kasha work becomes dominant. M&T INTERNATIONAL 78 REACHING HEIGHTS MEETING WITH Ms. Samina Baig, THE Mountaineer By Mrs. Saima Usman Samina Khayal Baig became the first Pakistani woman and the third Pakistani to climb Mount Everest on 19 May 2013. She is also the youngest Muslim woman to climb Everest at 22 years. Samina is also the first Pakistani woman and the first Muslim to climb the seven summits –highest mountains of the seven continents. Q: Please tell us something about your childhood. Where were you brought up and from where did you receive your education? Q: What were your hobbies as a child? I had no specific hobby but would love to climb mountains. Through this I explored my beautiful valley and realized that I was lucky to be born at Hunza Valley. Initially I used to do mountaineering with my goats and in the process take dry wood home for cooking and heating purposes. Q: What inspired or motivated you to hiking and mountaineering? I belong to a remote village called Shimshal in Hunza Valley which is close to Pakistan-China Border. I spent most of my childhood at Hunza and went to a local school till class 8. Thereafter I spent two years at Karachi. Life was not luxurious back then as there were no roads, electricity, communication system and internet facility at my village. When I was young, I used to dream of representing Pakistan and our women in the sport of mountain climbing. I also received a lot of support from my brother Mirza Ali Baig, who is the Founder and President of Pakistan Youth Outreach and CEO of Karakorum Expeditions. In fact, he motivated me to make mountaineering my passion. I have four brothers and one sister. My brother Mirza Ali is a mountaineer and my sister is a teacher. The younger brothers are working as tourist guides. Q: What are the different challenges you faced? (As a woman) In the beginning it was very difficult. I belong to a poor Annual Gazette 2014 | PFOWA 79 Meeting with Ms. Samina Baig, The Mountaineer and mentally demanding. It is also dangerous, so climbers have to take each step carefully. It is difficult to live in a tent and walk nine hours with empty stomach. I prepared for three years to ascend Mount Everest. It included climbing ChashkinSar peak in 2010 (now named Samina Peak), Koh-i-Brobar in 2011 and Spantik Peak in 2012. family and did not have financial support, as well as proper equipment. It took my brother, Mirza Ali, seven years to arrange funding and sponsorship for the expedition to Mount Everest. As a woman it is very difficult but I feel nothing is impossible. Mountaineering, itself, is mentally and physically a challenging sport. However, I have been able to overcome these challenges through dedication, hard work and support of my family. Q: You are an icon for people of Pakistan and you must have visited many destinations / places after that. Any interesting experience that you would like to share with us? Q: How did your family respond to your decision of climbing Mount Everest? Me and my brother climb for gender equality. We ascended the highest mountains of the seven continents together. We would always be together. However, while climbing Mount Everest, when we were 248 m away from the Summit, my brother stopped and encouraged me to ascend the highest mountain of the world by myself. This was a big message towards women empowerment. Initially my family was reluctant to allow me, specially my mother. She was afraid of the risks involved in this dangerous sport. It took a lot of efforts to convince her. But ever since, she has been fully supporting me. My mother sometimes has tears of joy feeling elevated at my climbing Mount Everest. My family is proud and delighted at my achievement. They continue to pray for my success. Q: Not many women have been able to reach the goal that you have achieved. What kind of response do you get from men? I always get appreciated by men for my achievement as they find it amazing. It makes me happy and proud as a Pakistani woman. Q: How many years of hard work have you given to achieve your goal? I started climbing when I was four years old. I became a professional climber in 2010. I have worked hard to achieve my goals. Climbing high peaks is physically 80 The other issue was to arrange funds for my expeditions. My brother Mirza Ali Baig made a lot of efforts to get sponsorship. He deserves a lot of credit for making this possible. Q: Do you think you have achieved your ultimate goal or are there more plans in reserve? I feel I have achieved an individual goal which was to ascend Mount Everest. I have plans to achieve few collective goals. It includes promotion of winter sports in Pakistan with an aim to have strong representation at Winter Olympics. In this regard, I have already visited some schools and universities to promote and train interested boys and girls in mountaineering. We have organized national youth ski and mountaineering camps, where we have participation from different parts of Pakistan. We continue to promote gender equality through an equal quota for boys and girls. I see a lot of potential in our country and would like to specially focus on women participation in winter sports. Since people now know me, it is easier to Meeting with Ms. Samina Baig, The Mountaineer convince them to participate in mountaineering. We are also producing documentary and short films about the mountains of Pakistan with the intention to promote our beautiful country. As a citizen, this is our prime responsibility to work for our country. My other goal is to improve my education. I feel it is the beginning of a long journey for me. Q: Please share with us your proud moments and different achievement awards or symbols of recognition you have received? My proud achievements include:• First ascent on ChashkinSar (6,400 m) now named Samina Peak after her. • First Pakistan woman to reach heights of 6,400 m • First Karakoram women winter expedition to MinglighSar 6050 m (December 2010) • Honorary member of the Alpine Club of Pakistan – 2011 • First Ascent of Koh-i-Brobar 6008 m (June/July 2011) • Gender Equality Dream Expedition Spantik 7027 m (August 2012) • First Pakistani Woman to Mount Everest 8848 m (May 2013) • First Pakistan and first Muslim to climb the Seven summits –highest mountains of the seven continents (2014) Awards: 1. Good news from Pakistan Award from Voice of America Urdu Service. 2. Women Excellence Award for 2012 from Aurat Foundation 3. 8th Women Excellence Award from Sindh Government 4. Ladies Fund Women of the Year Award from Dawood Global Foundation 5. Success & Savy Award of Coca Cola (2014) 6. Rotary Club Islamabad, Cosmo Gold Medallion 2013-14 7. Aga Khan Education Services Pakistan, Aga Khan Sports Board Pakistan 8. Brand Ambassador of Warid Telecom Pakistan 9. Brand Ambassador, Kalias Outdoor gears Q: How has this achievement and recognition changed your life? achievement. I hope to inspire others to follow my lead. Q: What will be your advice to women who want to enter the field of mountaineering? I would like women to believe in their abilities. Every challenge is surmountable provided one is dedicated and willing to work hard. We use a metaphor in our language which means that all mountains can be ascended. It implies that we can overcome all difficulties. So women can excel in all fields, if they have passion to achieve their goals. Q: Your message to our readers. We would like more people to promote and participate in winter sports. We would also like everybody to be good citizens and fulfill their responsibilities towards nation building. Everybody can achieve anything in this world. I would like to encourage all brothers to support their sisters like my brother Mirza Ali Baig. Backing and trust of one’s own family is essential to achieve any kind of goal. Also I would like to seek our Government’s support for the winter sport which is also useful to improve tourism. People now recognize me and are proud of my Annual Gazette 2014 | PFOWA 81 Sheherzad Diaries By Yawar Abbas A man, with a serious face, in late-thirties, is sitting at a table with piles of papers. The window-glass, with spots of rain drops from outside, is showing a breath-taking view of the green Margalla Hills. The room is dark – only a table-lamp shedding yellow light. A cigar, placed on the edge of an ashtray, is slowly releasing a thin streak of smoke that is dancing in the air like a whirling darvaish. Aroma of coffee is all around the room. Slow music is coming out of speakers- nam-i-danum kuja raftam - the saintly vocals of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan doing the magic. The man is working on a report. His tired eyes behind the spectacles are focusing hard. The right corner of the room has an antique radio, a vintage clock and a number of shields. Near it, another table has a wooden tea box having different flavours of tea. Placed on its side are a coffee jar, nuts jar, small tray with Swiss chocolates, brown sugar cubes and an electric kettle. Above it, on the wall, young Muhammad Ali Jinnah is holding a cigar in one hand and a puppy in another. At some distance from it, there is an oil painting – showing an elderly French musician playing an instrument and three liberally dressed young ladies dancing to its tune. A huge wall-mounted TV screen, having an almost inaudible sound, 82 is showing Russia Today channel – a news item about the charismatic President Putin is on-air. On the left side of the TV screen, a gramophone is placed on a small wooden table that has detailed carving work. It is placed on a traditional handwoven Persian carpet made of pure wool and silk. The small bookshelf,near the gramophone,has a classic collection of books – Dewan e Zafar, Shahabnama, Rubayat-e-Umar Khiam, Zarb-eKaleem, Deewan-e-Ghalib. In the shelf above,Raja Gidh, Patras kay Mazameen, Aagka Darya, Umrao Jan Ada, Yaadonki Barat, Ibn-e-Batuta kay Taqub May, Firdus e Bareen. In the top Shelf: War and Peace, Anna Karenina, To the Lighthouse, Macbeth, A History of Philosophy, The Republic, Great Expectations. Phone rings - its unpleasant sound quickly changes the ambiance of the room, just like an ink drop changes clear water in a glass. He: “Sir”. Sir: “Young man, we have only two hours. Then we’ll brief the Minister?” He: “Sir, I am on it. Every detail almost hammered out?” Sir: “Almost? I don’t like this almost in your Sheherzad Diaries sentence. You better get rid of it in an hour”. He: “Sir”. The phone rings again. He: “Assalam-o-Alaikum Sir Ji”. Another Sir: “Any development?” He: “Sir just give me two days. I will talk to the Visa Counsellor myself. Visa will be done. I am stuck in this Summit. Even now working on a Brief”. Sir: “Two days my dear. Then I am going to hang you upside down. Okay”? He: “Don’t worry Sir”. He takes a sigh. Now his cell-phone rings. He: “Han Ji?” Begum: “Pamper phir khatam ho gaye hain. Oil aur Timatar bhi laitay ana. Appa people will come tomorrow. So please bring cake and pastries from Rahat. When will you come? Please be home soon. Okay?" He (frowning): “Pampers of which brand?” Begum: “Pampers itself is a brand. Bring diapers of Huggies. They are good”. He: “Which size”? Begum: “It has been more than a year now. Don’t you know”? Begum: “Red bull? It is 3pm and you have already lost your mind. I don’t know what you people do till late in the night. Don’t forget to bring everything. Bye”. He shakes his head and throws away his cellphone on table. Suddenly someone bangs the door open. Three guys enters. His batch-mates. Guy 1 (Picking up the dry fruit jar): Oye cheetay, yeh kamal kita ae. (Now munching cashew nuts) Sunna na? Guy 2 (Putting water in kettle): Let there be Coffee; anyone cares? Now this is called Mahool. Guy 3 (changing channel): Heard you are becoming the next UN Secretary General? Guy 1 (pouring coffee in mugs now): Yar don’t worry, we know that you are making a nuclear bomb. Tolerate us for five minutes. Tension na lay. Aur yeh Qawaali band kar, kuch aur laga. Guy 3 (Watching GEO TV): Govt.ka band bajnay wala hay. The rapport that you are trying to develop with “His Excellency”will soon be of no use. I hope you don’t end up in Adiala with him. By the way, promotion in government service is up to the 22nd grade only. But your seriousness seems as if you are aiming for the 25th grade. He: “Hmmm... you people please enjoy; I just need to work on this file for a little longer. Okay?” Begum: “Size 4. And I need some money. There is a sale on Chinyere”. Guy 2: “Daikhna ziyadti hay. Chal Bhag ja. We are not going anywhere. And please take out the lunch box prepared by Bhabi. I know you will come at night. Sit with your Psycho Uncle and eat chips. Work hard or you will lose your job”. He: “What is Chinar”? A cell phone rings. Begum: “Uff. Chinar nahi Chinyere. It’s a clothes’ brand”. Guy 2: “Yes Sir. I completed it last night. On my table Sir. Will be there in 5 minutes. Sir. Okay”. He: “Salary almost finished”. He (smiling): “I guess someone else is going to lose job”. He: “Forgot it. I’ve been so busy with work these days, becoming a forgetful professor”. Begum: “What? It is just 5th of the month. You work like a bull and you get peanuts in return”. He: “Well, I paid all the bills. You know the drill. And I don’t work like a red bull, it’s just a job”. Guy 2: “Haha. Nokri Bhai Jan. Run to save yours, we will have coffee here”. He garbs some files and his coat, and rushes out towards the library. Annual Gazette 2014 | PFOWA 83 A sonnet tribute to Veganism……in my life By Salahuddin Chaudhary, Rotarian and Former Diplomat sharing and supporting thy key to life as’t has been since time immemorial verily’s the need here today as rife earth and earthlings not so perennial turning and twisting toward a rupture heading and descending right through ozone hole ethereal becomes mother nature protection is miss’d humanity’s role left in that ‘hole’ as globe quickly heats up amidst all fears of the uncanny doomsday nay ching hai and prince charles are coming up ever not lose hope but to fight they say to save earth & humanity we hold together we go green not cowed be bold !!! 84 Nomenclature reflects history and culture By Jamshaid Iftikhar The culture of names, in a society, is called its Nomenclature. Every society has a different set of names. Name can help differentiate and identify a person’s nationality, religion and race. Names also reflect the cultural connections or heritage of peoples. For instance, ‘Vladimir’ in Russia means the same as ‘Jahangir’ in Pakistan. Both names literally mean ‘ruler of the world’. It depicts Persian influence in parts of historical Russia, specially in the Volga River area. They also sound quite the same. ‘Roslan’ is another popular name in Bulgaria, derived from Russian nomenclature.It is derived from the Persian name ‘Arsalan’ taking its source from the legend of the man who fought and killed the lion. Most interestingly in Turkey, one can come across the name ‘Bekaroglu’. In Turkish the word ‘Bekar’ means ‘unmarried’ and ‘Oglu’ means ‘son-of’. ‘Bekaroglu’, read together, literally means “son of the unmarried”. When I was posted in Ankara, I was really intrigued when I came across this name and I asked my Turkish friend to tell me about it. To my utter surprise, he told me that ‘Bekaroglu’ was a longstanding and a very widely used name in Turkish society. Parents gave this name to their children as a sign of respect for the miracle of birth of Jesus Christ who was the ‘son of the unmarried’, Mary/ HazratBibi Maryam. I was really touched by the depth of religious beliefs of Turkish Muslims that had directly translated into this very popular name in Turkey. Indeed it is very symbolic of inter-faithharmony, which is at the core of Turkish civilization. Annual Gazette 2014 | PFOWA 85 Meeting by accident By Nazar Abbas Former Ambassador of Pakistan Today was a Sunday. My cousin Ghulam Abbas, suggested we go to shops in Rawalpindi where we could buy tiles and other essential material at cheaper rates. He knew the shops. I picked him up and also my nephew Ejaz Hussain. I was driving my Suzuki car, Ghulam Abbas sitting next to me and Ejaz Hussain on the back seat. We were heading towards Peshawar road of Rawalpindi. I had the money in my pocket but was worried if it would be enough. Today some other matters were also weighing heavy on my mind. So I was driving quietly. Judging my mood my companions too were quiet. Driving along the Cantonment road. I passed the Feroze Sons book shop and reached the T-junction with the Mall road, in front of Plaza cinema. I stopped on the red traffic light on the Mall but could not see the traffic signal itself because a Suzuki Van laden with passengers in and around it, was in front of me and had blocked my view. Then after a while the Suzuki van ahead of me moved and turned right on the main road. I moved after him. The Suzuki van passed but as I took the right turn on the Mall, I could not avoid hitting a Toyota car coming fast on the Mall, from my left. The Toyota car stopped and the lone gentleman driving it came out. I stopped my vehicle behind his car and came out too. The gentleman was very angry. He shouted, "look you have damaged my expensive car. I am calling the Police.” I was shaken but I did not argue with him as to who had to stop and who jumped the red light. Since I had not seen the traffic light I presumed that the decent looking gentleman was right in considering me at fault. I accepted my mistake. The left front bumper of my vehicle had hit the right back door of the Toyota car and pushed it in. I said to the Toyota owner, "I am sorry that your car has been hit, but it is an accident. You may call the police if you want to, 86 but I am prepared to get your car repaired." In my mind I cursed myself. I would now have to part with the money which I needed for buying the building material. I was already in low spirits and now this. The gentleman deliberated a bit and then said, "how will you get my car repaired?" I said “let us go to the auto workshop just half a kilometer away. I know the Manager because I get my car serviced and repaired from there. I will tell him to repair your car and I will pay the bill”. The gentleman agreed and said, "OK, but how do I know that you will not just drive away and disappear. Better one of your companions sit with me in my car and I will follow you to the workshop." It took us hardly three minutes before we were at the workshop. I spoke with the Manager; told him what had happened and asked him to repair the Toyota car to the satisfaction of the owner. I told him I would pay the bill. While I spoke with the Manager, the gentleman kept looking at me intently. Feeling satisfied that no trick was being played on him, he agreed to the arrangement. He said he lived in the Race Course Ground Area, not far from the workshop and that he was not leaving the car now but would bring it back later. The workshop manager assured him that the repair work would be done whenever the car is brought to him. I felt relieved that the matter had been settled even though I would have to pay this unforeseen penalty. So all three of us went back to my car. As I was about to start moving, the Toyota owner came over. Standing next to my window, which I had pulled down, he addressed me "Is your name Nazar Abbas?" I said yes. "Are you the son of Aurang Zeb Khan, who was a teacher in Dennys High school" ( just a kilometer or so away from where we were ). I said,yes. "Have you not recognized me?" I told him I was sorry but I could not recognize him. “Try to remember, we were class Meeting by Accident fellows in the school." I was confused. It was 1992 now and I was in Denny’s school in 1951-54. It was hard to recall the times that far back—some forty years ago. I said I was sorry but could not recall and recognize him. He said, "my name is Abid. We were together in the school in class seven. Your father Aurang Zeb Khan was our Mathematics teacher. In the periodic school examination I stood first in Mathematics while your marks were far less. Your father praised me before the whole class and scolded you; his own son; in front of every body. He was such a great man, a fair person and an able teacher. I fondly remember him and have been talking about him to my wife and children. We do not get such great teachers now a days. I am glad to meet you. Don’t you remember me ? I joined the Army and retired as a Col. I was also a prisoner of war in the 1971 war with India. Now I have business of my own." With all the descriptions and details that he mentioned I could now recall him. Abid, my class fellow was a broad shouldered stubby lad at that time. Now Abid, a retired Army Colonel was lean tall and smart—no resemblance to his boyhood days. What he said was all true. But I deliberately did not display any excitement lest he may think I would now have second thoughts about paying up the repair bill. I said, "Abid sahib, I now remember you. I am happy to meet you but feel sorry that we had to meet in this unpleasant situation. I would love to meet you some time later after your car has been repaired. I am sorry, I caused you trouble. But it was an accident and I will pay." Col Abid said, “Nazar, I am not getting my car repaired now. I will get it done later whenever and from wherever. And you are not paying the bill. The matter is finished.” I said, “Abid, whether you get your car repaired now or later, we have already agreed, and as promised, I will pay the bill. If we were friends and if my father was your teacher it does not mean that you suffer and I do not pay for my fault." Abid said, "nothing doing. Just forget about the accident. Here is my visiting card. Visit us sometime with your family. And he left." Back in the car my nephew Ejaz told me that when he was sitting in his car, on way to the workshop, Col Abid had asked my name. Hearing my name probably rang a bell in his mind. That led him to ask my father’s name. Then he confirmed my identity by asking me directly. At home I informed my wife and children about what had happened and said, let us all visit Col Abid and his family.’ My son Numair said, "yes, Abu I would love to meet your friend who you met after forty long years, and that too by accident.” Annual Gazette 2014 | PFOWA 87 The calm zone By Dr. Sana Zakaria The word depression evokes a different meaning in everyone. For some people it can mean having a bad week at work where going for a drink with their mates is what they need to get themselves back on track, while for some depression can be an extraordinarily destructive, chronic illness where the only way to end the pain is to take their own lives. Then there is everything in between. Depression is a great leveller. It can, and does, affect anyone at anytime. It may not always be obvious because depression manifests in different ways for different people. It is a result of extremely "Everyone is unique in their temperament and when you combine this with negative life experiences, the results are wildly variable, which explains the different ranges of depression people experience." multifaceted interactions between our mind, body and the environment. It is important though not to get embroiled in debate about the meaning of 88 depression but rather understand how it affects a particular individual since it is a very personal experience and differs from one person to the next. You may ask yourself why the next-door neighbour, your closest friend or your colleague at work is not going through the same as you? Why does losing your job mean depression for you, and not for the next guy? Why are you down and they’re not? Is it because you are too sensitive? Have you been dealt bad cards? Or is it the way you were brought up? Whatever you believe the reason to be, it is important to understand that you are not alone in feeling like this. Everyone is unique in their temperament and when you combine this with negative life experiences, the results are wildly variable, which explains the different ranges of depression people experience. So what is it that causes depression and what are these unique characteristics that individuals may possess? A person who has everything they may desire in life may feel unhappy and can’t get over the feeling that they just don’t belong. In this example, there is no obvious hardship in their life but what they may not know is that depression can often be The Calm Zone associated with a chemical imbalance in the brain that exists regardless to the individual’s external ‘success’ or perceived happiness. This imbalance of hormones means that some people may have higher than normal levels of stress hormones, such as cortisol and adrenaline. On the other hand some people have a deficiency of serotonin, which is a chemical associated with feelings of well-being. These imbalances are inherited and inscribed in the individual’s genetic makeup. In contrast, a person may have normal levels of hormones in their body but are faced with numerous challenges in life which cause stress. This constant stress can lead to depression which then becomes the cause of a chemical imbalance in the body. This relationship of cause and effect is just the tip of the iceberg and provides a sneak peek into the complex interaction of our mind and behaviour. The reason why people respond to negative situations in a different way is partly to do with physiology and the other part is learnt behaviour and a direct result of our worldly viewpoint. Whilst some people are predisposed to be more excitable in certain situations than others, our personalities also shape our behaviour and in turn our response to difficult situations. Being shy or extrovert, bold or sarcastic is what defines us and is our chemical signature, in a sense. This very signature can then culminate in depression due to uncontrolled events in life. It is an intricate interaction that constantly evolves. It is imperative to understand that there is no shame or weakness in experiencing depression. It is not something you can control, nor is it something people bring upon themselves. There is a huge need to redefine what depression is and how people cope with it. It is not some rare and exotic disease! Most people experience it to varying degrees and if you are fortunate enough to recognise the signs then you can seek the support you need. Depression isn’t something you can just ‘deal with’, and more than you can just ‘deal with’ diabetes or a broken leg. Depression can actually be a much more physical illness than many people realise, and it should be seen in the same way, without judgment or preconceptions about the person experiencing it. Not seeking appropriate advice and support can condition your mind and body to always respond in an unhealthy manner to negative situations in life. Research has also suggested that untreated depression can cause a high risk of developing cardiovascular disease whilst in some cases it can be fatal. So what can you do about it? The first step is to acknowledge that you may be depressed no matter how trivial your problems may seem to you. The second step is acceptance. It is okay to feel like this and there should be no guilt or feelings of inadequacy. So what can help you? Talking therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can help everyone and are a helpful step in the recovery process. A lot of people also find taking medication such as SSRIs can help correct any chemical imbalances and make a big difference in their recovery process, but as always, everyone is different and there is no ‘one size fits all’ panacea. If you visit your GP, be sure to explore all the options and don’t be afraid to ask for alternatives to medication if you feel that would be better for you personally. CBT, however, is helpful for everyone and will help condition the mind and body to respond in a better way to negative life experiences the same way an athlete might train their muscles to perform better during a competition. Ultimately, remember that you are not alone, and that the next door neighbour, closest friend or colleague may well be going through something similar. The steps to being happy and healthy are to acknowledge, accept, seek and treat. Annual Gazette 2014 | PFOWA 89 MEMORIES OF Amman By Mrs. Ayezza Muqeet Asim December 31, 2014: Amidst the ever-ascending voice of howling winds--tidings of a novel year are echoing across the mountains & in the deserts-In this High desert where meadows & heaths are intertwined in a startling landscape that makes one languish for the voice of the One who painted with such audacity, for this land in its entirety is a puzzling maze yet in its benighted dunes does reside the ferocious whispers of Nature and each night when the dun sands merge into the horizons- the voices that whirl in the winds haunt within one’s heart & this perplexing riddle gets registered in one’s head for the conflict that each day and all nights behold here, is the essence of the entire human existence--All of us dwell in the vast deserts of our souls where life rattles almost each moment and makes us forget the mysteries that surround this entire world---but in the desolate hours of dismal solitude the dunes of words snarl & enquire what can never be fathomed out--And with this very phrase, doth end my philosophical mumblings and I return to this very moment – as this instant is amongst the last moments of the year 2014. These passing hours actually mark the demise of 90 the year 2014 – and in this cold, dismal, dreary December night I am sitting here in Amman, with snow falling outside my apartment – and a sad silence descending upon my heart. And in these last moments, I dearly pray for my own homeland…... for our home land blesses us with an identity and all our existence vanishes once this home is battered by any calamitous conflict…… I pray and I pray dearly for the homeland that is distant but lives with me, in me – all across the globe - !!! The consistent fury of life remains in conflict with that single but eternal moment of a silent query-silence that numbs one and asks what can never possibly be answered but Whose presence is the very fabric of our being and this presence is what, in effect is the reason behind the spring of every faith---For divinity lies within the contours of that precise yet incessant moment!!! That moment never diminishes but lingers on--Eternity haunts us--besieges us---beguiles us-and then torments us and tears us apart-So to begin from the very point which deluded me into battering thoughts and so in the above words I had to mumble it all- Memories of Amman Oh yes- I need to come back to this very instantin this dreary December night when I can hear the sound of auld lang syne being played in the lustrous rooms of all the five star hotels- and clubs that inhabit the ever-lively Sweifeh--the melody that my husband has been playing since evening on our laptop because it somehow comforts me and in these moments of solace I inadvertently imagine the sadness perched on the pale faces of Syrian kids-- in fact on the souls of all the Syrian exiles who as a result of a lethal and senseless strife have lost all that once life offered-Auld land syne means nothing to them-Auld lang syne is meaningless for the urbanely dressed Jordanian youth as well that none the less waltz on its tunes and follows the Americans more earnestly than the Americans themselves-but still is devoid of all the virtues that that continent inculcates in most of its youth. In the soothing smoke of hubble-bubble they forget the lament that is bound to stir their spirits once their lot gets out of this subterfuge of calmth and serene modernization---So this very night marks the end of 2014 the eventual demise of yet another year-So with this dreary demise shall we ponder over a sombre truth that hammers away at my head and leaves me utterly restless...??? The persistent and painful thought that we shall mourn the loss of yet another year deflated in the total course of years that we possess on this planet?? This end leads us closer to our destiny-The end --the very end that is supposed to take us to a mystic land where hitherto unheard voices pour down all the rains that the deserts of our souls so vehemently desired??? But, what if the new year dawns into a blithe that has never been dreamt by my pusillanimous head?? Why this deafening silence then?? Why is this melody causing me to weep-- Weep over the fact that the dream which this life is has to end one day-And that day is one year nearer now-But shall i not stay away from the dread of something that is inevitable and get closer to the Present? Shall I not live and rejoice in this very moment when love in its entirety is right in front of me--Turning off the song and saying his prayers-- and---praying for me, for the greatest joy in this temporal life of ours is to dwell in a realm where dreams are carved out and love is painted on the canvas of days and nights that pass by!! Life is a momentous sojourn for upon it rests the entire tale of the musky hereafter--- and the fear of unseen days that always linger ahead until one’s death is something that torments the joy of the present blithe and so inflicts a torment that withers one’s soul away-So what if we don’t live forever...?? So what if we never are capable of living to the fullest---?? So what if our breaths are at every second depleting---?/? Its the treasure of memories that ought to keep on flourishing because it is on this very trove of memory that our Eternity thrives-and we as being a part of the fabric of this Eternity never perish in actuality--So i begin this year hearing the ceaseless howling of the winds outside my window and bask in the very thought that for one more year God blessed me with almost all that i had longed for and even what i had never even dared desire!! In the course of this bygone year - 2013 - I journeyed to the lands so ardently favoured by the grace of Omnipotent Lord!!! The lands where Faith mushroomed - I journeyed and witnessed the land of Biblical tales - the mystic-mysterious land of the Prophets that was rooted deep in the covert shores of my inner self-the land whose infinite wilderness would now resonate within me and reside there for good. Annual Gazette 2014 | PFOWA 91 The English Language By Hina Ali When I was a girl in the 1990s, my neighbor met in a severe vehicle crash where he lost the use of his legs and suffered a speech impediment from an acute wound to the head. My mother and I visited him at the infirmary to see how he was doing. I had never before seen anyone in his state, so my mother elucidated that he had been crippled. At school few weeks afterwards, I said that my neighbor was a cripple, at which point my teacher reacted with dismal revulsion and called me to his desk. “We don’t use that word”, he admonished under his breath. “It’s demeaning. Your neighbor is not crippled. He is handicapped.” “But my mother said…” I tried to explain. “I don’t care what your mother said. Now, go back to your desk and behave!” he fizzed. I tiptoed to the back of the room with my head bowed in shame. I contemplated the meaning of the word demeaning. I pondered if it was one of those sins where one goes straight to hell, bypassing purgatory altogether. When I was a teenager, I was having supper with my friend’s parents, both of whom were college professors. I chanced to comment that my neighbor was handicapped; as a result of which the whole household re-joined with downright disgust. Suddenly there was a supercilious quiet. The room felt twenty degrees colder, as if Dracula himself spit upon their mothers’ graves. “Ignominious!” my friend hissed as she steered me to the front of the residence. “Your neighbor is not handicapped. He is disabled. That’s so belittling, you jerk!” “But my teacher said….”, I endeavored a clarification. “I don’t care what your teacher said. Get out of here before my parents disown me for associating with you.” She shunted me out into the pouring rain and banged the door in my face. A decade later, while I was giving a presentation in the conference room at work, I happened to remark that my neighbor was disabled, upon which the administrators collectively flinched in wretched dreadfulness. “I move that the pejorative ‘disabled’ be stricken from the 92 minutes of the meeting”, my supervisor intoned in a dignified voice. I began my rationalization, “But the college professors said…” “I don’t care what your professors said. We don’t use that kind of vernacular in this organization. Your neighbor is not disabled. He is physically challenged. You may rest assured that this will be noted in performance appraisal”, confuted my boss. Pejorative? I had to look up that one in the dictionary, and yes, we still used dictionaries not spellcheckers back then. They were books of word definitions written on paper which….Aw, forget it, archaeologists will know what I mean. Anyhow, pejorative means demeaning. Recently, I was enjoying a cheeseburger and fries with my cousin at lunch. It so transpired that we ended up discussing my physically challenged neighbour.Hearing me refer to him as physically challenged drew my cousin back in staggering distress. “We don’t call them that anymore. That’s a term of derision.” “But my supervisor said…”, I attempted to expound. “I don’t care what your supervisor said”, my cousin condemned in a low tone, hoping not to be heard by the other diners. “Your neighbour is not physically challenged. He is alternately enabled.” Just last week, after my neighbour’s funeral, I expressed how sad I was that he is now dead, whereupon my family recoiled in abject horror. “Our neighbor is not dead”, they hissed in unison. “He lives in our memories. He has gone to his reward. He is our late neighbor now.” Late? What late? Sure, people always joked that he would be late for his own funeral, but he wasn’t. In fact, my neighbor was the first person there, hours before the mourners arrived. Having spent decades learning English as a first language, I can scarcely imagine how difficult it must be to learn English as a second language. That is why, I never snicker when someone has a funny accent or says the wrong words. After all, I have been speaking English for all my life and I still don’t know the right words to speak! *The author does not take full credit for this story. The concept is taken from an anecdote by W. C. Bell. From Diplobrats to Diplomats From Diplobrats to Diplomats By Yumna and Minah A. Rathore Lecturing 50 middle school students in rural Pennsylvania on Women Empowerment in Pakistan “Become friends with people who aren’t your age. Hang out with people whose first language isn’t the same as yours. Get to know someone who doesn’t come from your social class. This is how you see the world. This is how you grow.” While many of us interact with older people at embassy functions and have multi-cultural friends at international schools, very few of us have seen the world by getting to know someone from a different social class. I never truly had this self-growth experience till this year. For the past six months, I lived with Gulnaz, a 40 year old lady from a village in Taxila, Pakistan. To outsiders she may be my maid, someone who washes my clothes and cooks my food, but to me she is a friend whom I learn from every day. As I teach her English, she teaches me about the 45 million Pakistanis like her who live in dire poverty today. If every illiterate woman in Pakistan could write, there would be thousands of bestsellers like “I am Malala” as women like Gulnaz have no dearth in tragic life experiences. Death and despair is a normal part of their lives. She once told me a story about her best friend, a woman forced to marry a man she despised. A few years later, she gave birth to two babies and soon after died. Cause of death? Her husband beat her to death till he broke her backbone into two. Justice for murder? None. Why you ask? – does it really matter? Another day, another story. She described a chapter from her personal life. She was a young girl when she got married. Two months later, her fairytale married life ended as her husband married again. Both wives lived a room apart. The second wife treated as a priority while the first wife, Gulnaz, treated as an expense. After several years, she separated from her husband and now lives an independent, yet legally married, life. The stories went on. The following month she told me about her aunt. A lady who was forced to work tirelessly day and night only so she could afford her late husband’s addiction – heroin and gambling. Most of us earn for ourselves yet for many poor women, their hard earned income is never truly their own. Whether its domestic abuse, polygamy, or drug addictions, women in Pakistan and around the world suffer every day. As diplobrats we take for granted our freedom and underestimate our ability to achieve great change in Pakistan. Having traveled to more than 20 countries, experiencing different cultures and people, receiving foreign degrees and working aboard, we are indeed diplomats that can learn from our vast experiences and catalyze change. It is very easy to sit back and let our fathers and mothers do the “embassy stuff”, while we scrutinize news reports on TV and post political cartoons on Facebook and Twitter – but what about working in the development sector, learning and giving back to communities and making a conscious effort towards solving our country’s problems? Perhaps we need to get out of the Foreign Service bubble where we sit so comfortably and talk to someone who knows the Pakistan that for many of us Pakistani diplobrats is a foreign land. The responsibility lies on us to do the little we can to understand and fix our Pakistan. This year when you go back to Pakistan, do something for the greater good. After the usual “darzi” rounds and family gatherings in air conditioned and heated cars and rooms, let’s take some time out to donate or volunteer. Likewise, this year if you are out on a posting, do something for Pakistan abroad – hold a movie night promoting bold Lollywood movies, educate foreigners about Pakistan or throw a fundraiser for a Pakistani nonprofit. Annual Gazette 2014 | PFOWA 93 Based on the video game series-BioShock By Ali Gardezi Day 9 A Man chooses. A Slave obeys' Those were the words of our founding father, Andrew Ryan. A thinking man, a choosing man, a jack of all trades. The world above had been corrupted, breakthroughs in science made only for War, to sate the Greed of the influential, the powerful. Ideologies separated the world. Realizing that humanity would only bring about their own destruction, he created Rapture. A Utopia. Or so we thought. It was here where the thinkers of the world migrated. The best and brightest would flock here, to this city under the sea, free of governmental and even religious interference. They would work for their own gain, and none would hold them back. A place where the artist would not fear the censor, where the scientist would not be bound by petty morality, where the great would not be constrained by the small. A place of progress, ushering it into a golden age. But even something so great has its flaws. I must find food. Day 12 You see, contact with the world of 'parasites' had been cut off long ago. There is no way of reaching the world above. Rapture had been filled with the rich, the great. Businesses flourished. Money flowed easily. Life was great. But what about those who did not have Lady Luck on their side? Who would perform the menial tasks, the common man's work? And those who had fallen on hard times? The state, as we called it, provided nothing. Food, medical care, and even Oxygen supply. This was a place for the successful, and it was not meant to change. Smuggling rings had been set up, bringing 94 in necessities for special prices. The poor were packed together in the poorhouses, living the squalor reminiscent of the past Hell they had lived in. Frank Fontaine was the one who led these people, and the more that fell into misery, the greater their power. At the same time, ADAM was found in deep in the ocean. This substance allowed us to form stem cells of any type. The science was hidden from us, but it gave us powers beyond imagination. Telekineses, the power to release flames and ice from the palms of our hands... I could go on. It was boosted by EVE. Abuse of the substance could cause insanity and instability if it was not continually injected. These substances drive us to madness they are the reason I live in fear. I need to find a new shelter. Day 14 The ashes of our Civilization lay scattered across our Haven. Civil war broke out, and the affluent fled back to the land of their humble beginnings, while poor rose up, augmented by ADAM, to wage war against the few who remained. But their greatest enemy was their greatest ally - EVE. Dementia overcame them, and they soon became attacking one another. This was not the only change. Their bodies underwent a metamorphosis, warping them. Their skin blackened and rotted, their faces disfigured. They still remained here in a Rapture, and it was these Monstrosities that were my greatest challenge. Day 19 So hungry. So thirsty. There's nothing left for me here, in this godforsaken sanctuary. Escape is out of the question. I can't take it any more. Goodbye, and Good Riddance. Nigar Nazar Comics s c i m o C CEO of Gogi Studios www.gogicomics.com, FB-Gogi studios Group Annual Gazette 2014 | PFOWA 95 Nigar Nazar Comics 96 Publications Annual Gazette 2014 | PFOWA 97 ACTIVITIES OF MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS Sahabzada Yaqub Khan Former Foreign Minister visiting the Ministry Russian Poet Vladimir Lesovoy presenting his book Flames of Faiz to Adviser Sartaj Aziz Amjad Islam Amjad presenting his book translated in Turkish and Italian to Foreign Secretary Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif charing the concluding Session of Envoys Conference at Foreign Office 98 Activities of Ministry of Foreign Affairs Tapestry presented by Chinese Embassy to Foreign Office Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq at the Foreign Office Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq planting a tree at the Foreign Office Annual Diplomatic Corps Dinner - 2014 Inauguration of Day Care at MOFA Annual Gazette 2014 | PFOWA 99 Activities of Ministry of Foreign Affairs Diplomatic Corps holding candles during the vigil to express solidarity with the victims of Peshawar Terrorist attack Pakistan-China Badminton Tournament at MOFA Inauguration of Bridge connecting Agha Shahi and Sahibzada Yaqub Khan Blocks Sports Diplomacy 35th Session of D-8 Commission Launching Ceremony of 2015 Pak-China Year of Friendly Exchanges 100 Activities of Ministry of Foreign Affairs Africa Day Celebrations Inauguration of PROSYS-Protocol Systems at the Foreign Office Foreign Office Golf Cup Adviser speaking at a Seminar on Building China-Pakistan Community of Shared Destiny in the new era Foreign Secretary inaugurating Iqbal Cultural Center and Library at Kabul Foreign Secretary planting a tree at the Embassy of Pakistan, Kabul Annual Gazette 2014 | PFOWA 101 OLD IS GOLD 102 Old is Gold Annual Gazette 2014 | PFOWA 103 Ambassador MRs. Seema Naqvi: A tribute By Rehana Hyder I first encountered Seema in 1981, when I became Programme Officer for the '7th and 8th Common' batches at the Foreign Service Training Institute in Islamabad, as the FS Academy was then known. We were almost contemporaries, so could relate to one another easily. Seema was the only woman in those thirty or so probationers, by no means her only distinction. Friendship aside, I quickly discovered her to be the best of that bright bunch of ambassadorial aspirants, all of whom I consider my 'batchmates'. She was stylish as well as smart, and sincere to a fault. Slim and elegant, with the signature short hairstyle that suits so few but framed her own perfect features and sparkling eyes just so; even in Moharam and Safar her outfits were admired by us all - simple and graceful, but always with a touch of black. She was a devout Muslim first, and a committed Shia second, but her lifestyle was governed by the largehearted, broad-minded tenets of Sufism. Her assignments were always the best presented and prepared, and her appreciation of the broad picture yet attention to detail was what carried Seema forward in her career as a successful diplomat, in both bilateral and multilateral work. Her personality of course 104 helped; that elusive blend of authority without arrogance, charm or 'sweetness' with substance to spare. I saw this again - and sadly for the last time, never wanting to abuse her privacy or compromise further her condition during her almost two years, so bravely borne, illness - in her office as Additional Secretary Middle East and Africa (later Special Secretary) on the Foreign Office's vaunted Third Floor ('Corridor of Power') early last year, 2013. She dealt with ease and assurance with several papers and sundry superiors/ subordinates, just as I'd seen her do as a young Section Officer over thirty years ago. Its a great pity that not only I but the Foreign Office as a whole shall be bereft of her onward assessments of Egypt and elsewhere, and the country of such an able representative. Apart from being a serious professional, Seema never forgot to project Pakistan's culture wherever she served and/or accompanied her husband abroad. At Headquarters she was, by husne ittefaq, the first career FS woman to hold successively the otherwise honorary positions (occupied by the wives of the Foreign Secretary and Foreign Minister) of Chairperson and President PFOWA (FS Women's Association). Her energy and acheivements there were likewise out of the ordinary, social justice being amongst her abiding concerns. It’s difficult to decide whether Seema was more devoted to family or friends, as she lavished her love on both. A doting grand-daughter (we all came to call her grandma 'Dama'), dutiful daughter (she enabled her parents' ziarat to Holy Sites whenever posted nearby), dedicated wife, doted-upon Baji and Aunt to her brothers, sister, nieces and nephews, and rightly the 'ronak' of all her family and in-laws; its yet more difficult to imagine our worlds without her. As expressed by one of the many present at her Dua, 'Wo bohat azeem khatoon theen''; or by another admirer, 'She was a very fine person indeed'. Her marriage to Additional Secretary and Ambassador (later Foreign Secretary and Foreign Minister) Inamul Haq in 1985 seemed one for the books - or seen through the stars. No-one who attended will ever forget it, from the wedding card in Punjabi to Seema's ethereal appearance in white lacha and kurta ensemble, all the adornments in silver without an iota of gold. Despite a fully committed schedule she somehow connected with us all whenever we needed. During her illness she rang to proffer her prayers every Eid, and smsed her thanks often for all those praying for her everywhere. An Eulogy In Memory of Jamshed A. Hamid By Salahuddin Choudhry Somewhere there is a better place where pain and sadness cease a heaven where cares don’t exist and every soul finds peace. the special person Amera has lost was precious and adored but now dwells in that special place the empire of Allah Almighty” Quiet and humility personified, the man named Jamshed Ahmad Hamid was, as much I found him ab initio since I met the first time and got to know him, as my neighbour in the Ministry. The acquaintance of him as a senior colleague turned into friendship within a span of few months as my wife Seema became friends to Amera, his pretty and graceful spouse. With high academic and professional qualifications, Jamshed A. Hamid enriched the quality of Pakistan Foreign Service by his legal expertise and knowledge and jurisprudence and by making tremendous contribution to FO legal department and the United Nations (Sixth Committee) as well as through participation in innumerable high-level conferences; his major work was with the UN Law of the Sea Conference and with several international organizations. Apart from the respect he enjoyed at these forums, he was a darling of a man in the FO and hugely loved in the academies and national and international institutes where he gave lectures and talks. A man of passionate erudition and a vociferous reader, Jamshed Hamid was literally married to the vast empire of his books; the vastness and depth of his knowledge made him to be known as the law expert par excellence. An introvert in nature, he spent hours in his library and was very possessive about it and did not encourage intrusion into his private space….even dusted the room himself ! He had a collection of about a thousand books on local & International law, politics, history, English literature, psychology and philosophy. He was extremely organized and has left a treasure of hand written notes on various topics of International law. and Kashmiri tea regularly….As a sportsman from childhood days, he was on the school cricket team at Karachi Grammar School and did boxing which gave him a broken nose ! He played squash for many odd years and walked regularly after squash became too strenuous for him. He had great artistic skills and could draw just anything with a free hand and helped Amera, throughout her teaching career, in all art and design projects; he painted for pleasure. Among my fond memories of Jamshed Hamid, the most unforgettable was the top priority unsolicited advice and service I got from him during a professional crisis which saw me through in my fourth year at the Ministry…….. his humane response I could describe as greatness incarnate doing manifest magnum opus. Jamshed Bhai will remain embedded in the hearts of all those who knew him closely. ….Yet, he was a handy man around the house and displayed his cuisine skills by making Spanish omeletts Annual Gazette 2014 | PFOWA 105 Pakistan’s Missions Abroad: Historical Recollections "GUL-I-RAANA", PAKISTAN HOUSE NEW DELHI (OFFICIAL RESIDENCE OF THE HIGH COMMISSIONER) Built in the 1930's, the House was named "Gul-iRa'ana" (beautiful, delicate-scented rose) after Begum Raana Liaquat Ali Khan and was gifted to Government of Pakistan in 1947 for representation use. In the defining years of the struggle for independence, the house became a nucleus of the All India Muslim League's activity, where many portentous deliberations and decisions took place. Quaid-e-Azam Mohammed Ali Jinnah was a frequent visitor to the house. In the turbulent immediate aftermath of the independence. Pakistan House became a refuge for displaced Muslims, and acted as an impromptu camp for emigrants until transitional shelter was made available in the Old Fort, prior to relocation to Pakistan. Set back from the road in an enveloping expanse of lawn, the two-storied facade presents a modernist aspect. Entering though a portico, a rectangular 106 vestibule is encountered, at the end of which a suspended staircase spirals overhead to end in a semicircular gallery. On the right are the two reception rooms and a paneled library. Pakistan’s Missions Abroad: Historical Recollections PAKISTAN HIGH COMMISSION (CHANCERY) NEW DELHI The Pakistan High Commission (Chancery) is spread over 12 acres of land in the Chanakyapuri diplomatic enclave along the Shanti Path. Acquired on perpetual lease on the 19th of April, 1954, it is the fifth largest in size, after China, the USA, Russia and the UK. storey facade is surmounted by an imposing central dome. There are plans to construct an adjoining residential complex and modern consular facilities, a library and a mosque. Karl Malte von Heinz, a long-time resident of India who was interned at Dehradun during the second World War due to his German ethnicity, designed the High Commission of Pakistan's Chancery with Pakistani associates. The design reflects Mughal/ Islamic architecture. It has an ‘E’ shaped Façade with the addition of glazed, blue Multan tiles. Buff coloured ceramic tiles create the Chancery's exterior sheath, into which triangular perforations and abstract geometrical forms are inserted in modern versions of jaal. The slightly concave twoAnnual Gazette 2014 | PFOWA 107 Pakistan’s Missions Abroad: Historical Recollections Pakistan Embassy in Kabul Pakistan Embassy in Kabul is situated on more than 26 acres of land; it forms Pakistan’s single biggest Mission in the world. The white Victorian style mansion is a spectacular tribute to the building’s history and grandeur. It consists of large entertainment halls, suites for accommodation, and an exhibit about the building's history which is a source of great inspiration to all its visitors. It is undoubtedly the most impressive Embassy Residence in Kabul. From the vantage point of the Residence, one can see fountains, flowerbeds, a freshly-manicured football ground and an equally impressive cricket pitch. In the distance one can see the snow-capped Hindu Kush Mountains. The Ambassador’s Residence and adjoining Chancery make for a stunning view for local as well as foreign visitors. It is indeed an asset for Pakistan and the efforts put in by all involved in its restoration are praiseworthy. 108 Pakistan’s Missions Abroad: Historical Recollections High Commissioner’s Residence, London The residence of the High Commissioner for Pakistan is located in one of the most prestigious suburban areas of London, known as the Hampstead Garden Suburb. This residential suburb was founded in 1906 by Henrietta Barnett, a notable English social reformer, educationist and author. It typically portrays the early twentieth-century British architecture and town planning of the London Borough of Barnet, having the greatest concentration of statutory listed buildings. the building structure and design was inspired by the early twentieth century Victorian architecture influenced by the Arts and Crafts movement. Having 8 bedrooms and a spacious courtyard, the mansion enjoys a discreet setting with a wonderful and mature landscape that includes many fine trees, some even pre-dating the house. The Residence was purchased in 1998 by the then High Commissioner Mohammad Riaz Sami. At the time of purchase, the residence was named Reddington House, which was changed to Pakistan House the same year. Like other residential mansions in its vicinity, the Pakistan House is an excellent manifestation of local British architecture of the day. Built in 1935, Annual Gazette 2014 | PFOWA 109 Pakistan’s Missions Abroad: Historical Recollections AMBASSADOR'S RESIDENCE in washington d.c. 2343- S Street NW DC was built in 1910 and now is vested to Government of Pakistan and currently is a residence of Pakistan’s Ambassador. This residence was titled to the Government of Pakistan on April, 16 1948, previously owned by James B Aleshire who was a Quartermaster General, Van Santvoord Merle-Smith the Third Assistant Secretary State and also Leland Harrison (U.S Assistant Secretary of State, Chief of US Tariff Commission, diplomat and former Pakistani Ambassadors. The Islamic centre which is capitals largest research centre is also located in the vicinity. A red brick four story single family house which is designed on a land space of 10152 square feet and was constructed with top notch quality, the entrance is surrounded by two pillars with a classic terracotta ceramic material, a built up roof top, a gorgeous looking building has 15 bed rooms and eight bathrooms with up to date amenities such as central heating/conditioning, fire places etc. Not only the house is beautifully designed inside but it has a lot which in 9750 square foot in space and gives whole compound a lavish and breathy look. 110 Pakistan’s Missions Abroad: Historical Recollections Residence of the Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations The residence building was built in 1920 and has been designated as a landmark by the New York City Government. The Upper East Side consists of different neighborhoods of which, Carnegie Hill stands out the most. The boundaries of Carnegie Hill extend from 86th Street on the south to 96th Street to the north, between Fifth Avenue (Central Park) on the west and Third Avenue on the east. The residence is precisely located in the heart of Carnegie Hill. The Government of Pakistan purchased the residence building in 1965. The building has five stories with the kitchen and dining hall on the first level and the reception hall on the second level. Third and fourth levels are mainly used for residential purposes. The fifth floor houses the domestic help. The building is a masterpiece of architecture of early 20th century and represents the proverbial “modern architecture” style. The use of brownstone on the front of the building is one of the distinguishing marks of the architecture of that era. Annual Gazette 2014 | PFOWA 111 Fankaar Gali Paintings by Mrs. Mahwish Sohail Fankaar Gali Sketches by Zahra Gardezi 112 Globe Trotting Annual Gazette 2014 | PFOWA 113 Globe Trotting Amman 114 Globe Trotting BEIJING Ladies of Pakistan Embassy headed by Mrs. Sonia Masood visited He Tong Nursing Home for the elderly and donated gift bags Conferment of Hilal-e-Quaid-e-Azam on Mr. Jian Jiaqing, Chairman Industrial and Commercial Bank of China A well attended National Day Reception was organized at Marriott Hotel. Vice Chairperson of National People's Congress Madam Shen Yue was the Chief Guest Annual Gazette 2014 | PFOWA 115 Globe Trotting Pakistan Women's Association Beijing (PWAB) participated and donated to charity function organized by the wives of Chinese state Councillors and Foreign Minister 116 Globe Trotting BERLIN FIRST EVER PAKISTANI ISLAMIC CALLIGRAPHIC EXHIBITION BY ANJUM AYAZ HELD IN BERLIN FROM 13-17 JULY, 2014 Ambassador Syed Hasan Javed along with Saudi and Turkish Ambassador Inaugurating Islamic Calligraphic Exhibition at the Chancery Hall on 15 July, 2014. Pakistani children presenting a program on the Independence Day on 14 August at Embassy Chancery in Berlin. Chief Guest with Ambassador tasting Pakistani mangoes at the German BMZ Gala on 31 August, 2014. Annual Gazette 2014 | PFOWA 117 Globe Trotting BERN Pakistan Day Reception held at Ambassador’s residence. Flag hoisting ceremony celebrating the Independence Day. Luncheon Reception of the Diplomatic Wives Association held where Pakistani cuisine and handicrafts were on display. Most of the Swiss participants were spell bound after watching the promotional video, “Vibrant Pakistan”. 118 Globe Trotting CAIRO Hadith Rooh Musical Evening Cultural Evening Sakia Festival Peace Festival Annual Gazette 2014 | PFOWA 119 Globe Trotting Hanoi The Embassy participated in the Food Festival. Pakistani cuisines were extremely popular amongst the visitors. Pakistani food stall Nazia Zaigham with the Chief Guest 120 Globe Trotting Jakarta An Art Exhibition “Spirit of Pakistan” was held at Pakistan Embassy from 26-29 June 2014. Art work of prominent Pakistani artist Ms. Shehla Rehman was put on display. Annual Gazette 2014 | PFOWA 121 Globe Trotting Truck Art Exhibition An Exhibition ‘Introducing Tribal Truck Art of Pakistan in combination with Batik Art Patterns’ was arranged by the Embassy Art/Painting Exhibition (17 – 23 November 2014) An Art Exhibition was organized by the Embassy in Jakarta Works of seventeen young graduates were on show. The fusion of this tradition art form with modern day interpretations and scale was viewed with great enthusiasm and visitors took keen interest in the paintings. 122 Globe Trotting JEDDAH Roat ur Resalah: Beauty of the Message The Consulate General of Pakistan, Jeddah organized its third calligraphy event titled Roat ur Resalah: Beauty of the Message at the Redsea Mall, Jeddah from 1-4 May 2014. In 2011, the Consulate had developed a programme for promotion of Islamic art and crafts in cooperation with local Saudi institutions. The event was jointly inaugurated by Mrs. Najia Aizaz, President PFOWA and Ms. Hamida Alireza, a well known Saudi art promoter and philanthropist. It was attended by heads of several Saudi business houses, members of diplomatic corps and Saudi Royal Family. The event was widely covered by local media. Visitors appreciated the Islamic heritage of Pakistan and efforts of the Consulate General to promote it in Saudi Arabia. The Consulate General’s art events are quite popular in Jeddah particularly its exhibitions are eagerly awaited With the cooperation of local businesses, the Consulate by expat community, diplomatic corps as well as Saudi arranged travel, boarding and lodging of 13 calligraphers citizens. from all over the country to attend the event. Based on these events, the Consulate published a coffee The artists conducted open workshops at the venue table book entitled “Allama bil Qalam” last year. which attracted huge crowds. Annual Gazette 2014 | PFOWA 123 Globe Trotting Kabul Ceremony organized for the Afghan students who have been awarded scholarship by the Government of Pakistan The Embassy organized a free English language and computer studies programme for Afghan children through its vocational training centre. Certificates being awarded to Afghan students 124 Globe Trotting LONDON Chand Raat Celebrations at Pakistan High Commission Pakistan High Commission participated in International Spring Festival Participation of the school children in National Day Celebrations Evening with Rahat Fateh Ali Khan Art exhibition entitled “Art Within & Beyond Pakistan" Annual Gazette 2014 | PFOWA 125 Globe Trotting LOS ANGELES Signing of Memorandum of Understanding between Pakistan Foreign Office Women’s Association and Merit Grants for Young Women A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Pakistan Foreign Office Women's Association (PFOWA), Islamabad and Merit Grants for Young Women (MGYW), Los Angeles on 5 September 2014. PFOWA was represented by Mrs Iffat Tasawar Khan, while Ms Farhana Mohamed signed the MoU on behalf of MGYW. The MoU was signed after approval by the MGYW Board of Directors and Madam Najia Aizaz, President PFOWA. MGYW is a non profit organization working for the promotion of higher education among meritorious but financially underprivileged young female students of Pakistan. Since its establishment in the year 2000, MGYW has been providing assistance to hundreds of deserving girl students in Pakistan in the form of tuition fee, books, uniforms and monthly financial assistance to continue their studies. In addition MGYW partners with well established charity schools that predominantly cater to educate girls in impoverished rural or urban areas of Pakistan. The idea to establish an institutional link between the two organizations was proposed by Mrs Iffat Tasawar Khan in 2013. Under the MoU, MGYW will annually provide 15 scholarships to PFOWA, which will be granted to the girl students, belonging to the families of low grade employees of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It is hoped that the arrangements agreed between the two organizations will go a long way in realizing their cherished objective of supporting and promoting education amongst the underprivileged segments of our society. Mr Tasawar Khan, Consul General, Mrs Iffat Tasawar, Ms Farhana Mohamed, Director MGYW 126 Globe Trotting New Delhi Pakistan High Commission Lecture Series Iftar-cum Dinner for Muslim Community at High Commission Independence Day Celebration Interaction with female Journalists of India Aaleshan Pakistan Exhibition jointly inaugurated by Chairman Trade Development authority of Pakistan Mr. S.M. Muneer, High Commissioner of Pakistan Mr. Abdul Basit and Mr Siddharth Birla President FICCI at Pargatti Maidan, New Delhi. More than 150 exhibitors with 320 stalls showcased their products. Aaleshan Pakistan Annual Gazette 2014 | PFOWA 127 Globe Trotting NEW YORK United Nations International Bazaar - 2014 Reception Line to greet First Lady Begum Kalsoom Nawaz Sharif Lunch in honour of First Lady Begum Kalsoom Nawaz Sharif Mehfil-e-Milad 128 Globe Trotting Group Photograph with Mrs. Ban Soon Taek Mrs. Zohra Masood Khan receiving Crystal Apple from Remedios Fe Cabactulan, President UN Delegations Women Club Pakistan's Food Stall at Islamic Countries Bazaar Mrs. Zohra Masood Khan with Mrs. Ban Soon Taek Reception in honour of Malala Yousafzai at Pakistan House Annual Gazette 2014 | PFOWA 129 Globe Trotting Port Louis Book launch organized by the Mission Book launching ceremony Iqbal Day celebrated by the Mission Urdu drama performed by children 130 Qawwali night Globe Trotting PRETORIA Pakistan Cultural Gala Free Medical Treatment was organized by the Mission in collaboration with our Diaspora Pakistan participates in Africa Health Expo Qawwali Lovers Enthralled Ladies of the Mission help SOS Village Children Pakistan leads in Charity Bazar of International Diplomatic Spouses Association(IDSA) Annual Gazette 2014 | PFOWA 131 Globe Trotting rabat The Embassy organized concerts of Pakistan's renowned sufi music group "Maarifat" Maarifat's performance at the Music Festival at Fez as well as other places was termed as the best of its kind 132 Globe Trotting ROME The Embassy in collaboration with Pakistan Women's Assocation organized a Cultural Show Third Annual Pakistan Literature Day was organized at the prestigious Ara Pacis Museum of Rome on 1 September 2014. Dr. Daniela Bredi, a renowned orientalist from the La Sapienza University of Rome gave an introductory talk about Pakistani literature. Performing arts was combined with literature through the performance of famous Pakistani artist Sheema Kermani and her companions who presented a visual interpretation of pieces of poetry from famous Pakistani poets. Annual Gazette 2014 | PFOWA 133 Globe Trotting “Living Symbols” was the title of the three-month exhibition (June-August 2014) of ancient Pakistani artefacts, organized by the Embassy at the Italian National Museum of Oriental Art. It consisted of items of clay pottery and figurines from the prehistoric SohrDamb/Nal and Kulli cultures that flourished in south Baluchistan between 3500 to 2400 BCE. The annual Pakistan Festival was held on 28thSeptember, 2014, with the collaboration of the Pakistani community in Italy 134 Globe Trotting SEOUL Pakistan Fashion Show in Seoul Hanbook Traditional Korean Costume Festival Pakistan Book Festival at Seoul Metropolitan Library Country Presentation at National Library for Children and Young Adults Red Cross Bazaar Country Presentation at Sookmyung Women’s University Annual Gazette 2014 | PFOWA 135 Globe Trotting SOFIA Pakistan Navy’s Ship “Rahnaward” paid a historic trip to Port Varna, Bulgaria. Ambassador Jamshaid Iftikhar held a cultural programme on board the ship. Embassy organized a cultural show titled "Fashion and Design in Spectacular Pakistan" 136 Globe Trotting TASHKENT Fashion Show arranged by Pakistan Ladies Group Tashkent Presentation of Pakistani Culture at British School Tashkent Presentation of Pakistani Handicraft Annual Gazette 2014 | PFOWA 137 Globe Trotting TORONTO International Urdu Mushaira was organized by the Consulate General of Pakistan, Toronto with the support of Izhar International. Prominent poets from Pakistan Dr. Pirzada Qasim, Amjad Islam Amjad and Mahmood Shaam and other local poets from USA and Canada presented their poetry. 138 Globe Trotting Tunisia The Embassy participated in the Diplomatic Charity Bazaar organized at Le Kram Exhibition Centre on 30 November 2014. Annual Gazette 2014 | PFOWA 139 Globe Trotting WASHINGTON The Embassy hosted Begum Chief of Army Staff Qawwali Night organized by the Embassy 140 Globe Trotting Mehfil-e-Milad at the Embassy Ambassador Jilani addressing an event of the Pakistan-US Women Council Pakistan-US Women Council welcoming the new Executive Director Melanie Bixdie Annual Gazette 2014 | PFOWA 141 Globe Trotting WELLINGTON Contemporary Pakistan Fiction and the Modern World Pakistan Food Festival in Wellington Public lecture on Kashmir 142 Globe Trotting YANGON National Day Celebrations Interaction with Sitagu Sayadaw Friendship Golf Tournament Visit to the Tomb of Bahadur Shah Zafar Annual Gazette 2014 | PFOWA 143 144 Creative Expressions URDU POETRY & PROSE Annual Gazette 2014 | PFOWA 145 146 Annual Gazette 2014 | PFOWA 147 148 Annual Gazette 2014 | PFOWA 149 150 Annual Gazette 2014 | PFOWA 151 152 Annual Gazette 2014 | PFOWA 153 154 Annual Gazette 2014 | PFOWA 155 156 156 154 153 152 151 149 148 147 Annual Gazette 2014 | PFOWA 157 Providing Excellence ICT Turn Key Solution: Contact Center BPO Automated Monitoring & Evaluation Solution Skills Development Center ERP Solution E-Commerce Solution GPRS based Time Attendance & Management Solution Islamabad | Peshawar | USA Contact Us: +92 300 5391361 Email: [email protected], Website: www.stepnexs.com