Saudi stall at Pakistan Foreign Office steals spotlight

Saudi Arabia’s stall on Sunday stole the spotlight at the Pakistan Foreign Office Women’s Association (PFOWA) charity bazaar.

Comprising a traditional Bedouin tent with the rich aroma of ‘gahwa’ and the sweetness of dates, the stall showcased a vibrant tapestry of cultural performances, traditional costumes, music, art and food from various embassies and missions in Pakistan.

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar inaugurated the bazaar at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) on Sunday. The event featured stalls from various countries as well as from Pakistani small and medium enterprises to raise funds for low-income MoFA staff. 

At the entrance of the bazaar, the very first stall was set up by the Embassy of Saudi Arabia that featured a traditional Bedouin tent where visitors were welcomed with dates and gahwa, a traditional Arabic coffee.

“It is a very welcoming gesture by the Saudi embassy as they introduced us to the true taste of Saudi coffee which is very unique,” said Tayyaba Aleem, a visitor, adding the traditional setting of the tent added an authentic cultural touch and made it a special experience. 

In his inaugural address, Dar said the event offered a unique opportunity for people to visit the Pakistani Foreign Office, and experience rich cultures of various countries through their food and handicrafts, and to contribute to a charitable cause.

“Today’s bazaar is a captivating blend of diverse cultures and the variety of experiences fostering harmony and fraternity among different nations,” he said, adding that from the kind support and donations to setting up stalls showcasing traditional outfits, apparel, artifacts and a variety of delights, the event was a collective celebration of diversity and inclusion. 

“I am extremely grateful to the diplomatic missions in Islamabad and their contributions in this colorful event.”

Diplomats described the experience as a valuable opportunity to showcase their country’s cultural heritage, while learning about the traditions of others.