Pak Diplomats Join Community Leaders for a Festive Independence Day Celebration in Jeddah
Pakistan Investors Forum Jeddah and Pakistan Solidarity Forum Support Women’s Talent as Chef Afshan Mansoor Leads the “Journey of Freedom with Flavours” Provincial Cuisine Contest, while Kababish Pink Club Manages the Stalls and Stage
By Dr. Sameera Aziz – Jeddah
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Organised by the Pakistan Investors Forum Jeddah, in
collaboration with the Pakistan Solidarity Forum Jeddah, the event was
held at Kingdom Hall for Celebrations in Jeddah. It highlighted the spirit of
independence, national unity and patriotism while recognising the valuable
contributions and talents of women in promoting Pakistani culture abroad.
The chief guest was Ms. Fareena Arshad, Deputy Consul General of Pakistan in Jeddah, while the guests of honour were Ms. Sadia Khan, Trade and Investment Counsellor, and Ms. Azka Zafar Rana, Welfare Consul. The diplomats praised the Pakistani community for strengthening Saudi-Pakistani relations and bringing honour to their country.
A major attraction of the evening was the culinary competition, which featured traditional dishes representing Pakistan’s four provinces—Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Participants presented an impressive variety of regional dishes, combining authentic flavours with cultural presentation and demonstrating both creativity and culinary expertise.
The culinary segment was led by renowned, award-winning Executive Chef, TV personality and Food Safety Auditor Chef Afshan Mansoor, whose concept and efforts played a central role in bringing the cultural theme to life. She was closely supported by Ms. Safia Zohaib, who contributed to the successful execution of the event. Through its cuisine, presentation and provincial representation, the competition offered guests a journey through Pakistan’s diverse culinary heritage. It became a major attraction for attendees, who eagerly sampled the dishes and shared their views.
Speaking about the concept, Chef Afshan Mansoor said the gathering was intended to be much more than a food competition. “This event was not simply a gathering centred on food; it was an effort to pay tribute to the cultural beauty and diversity of our beloved Pakistan. I wanted the Pakistani community in Jeddah to reconnect with the authentic flavours and traditions of our provinces,” she said.
Award-winning Chef Hina Shoaib headed the panel of judges, alongside Ms. Ayesha Mateen, Ms. Ayesha Usman and Ms. Sana Waqar, while Chef Afshan Mansoor served as the chief decision-maker and supervised the judging process to ensure fair and impartial results. According to the announced results of the culinary competition, Ms. Ayesha Mansoor secured first place, Ms. Irum Yousaf secured second place, and Ms. Ayesha Sattar secured third place.
Kababish Pink Club, a newly established community
initiative, marked a significant milestone through its successful participation
in this important event. Under the patronage of Kababish restaurant owner Mr.
Ali Khursheed, the club contributed by setting up stalls, managing the
stage and hosting the event.
“We also participated in another cricket event held as part of these celebrations, the Quaid-e-Azam Azadi Cup 2026, which featured thrilling matches, vibrant food and game stalls, and recognition of community champions. Similarly, the colourful stalls and culinary competition at this event provided women with a platform to showcase their skills and creativity,” said Ms. Ummay Abdul Rahman, head of Kababish Pink Club.
At the conclusion of the event, Holy Qur’an reciter Qari Muhammad Asif; Kashmir Committee Chairman Mr. Masood Ahmed Puri; Pakistan Investors Forum Chairman Mr. Chaudhry Shafqat Mahmood; Senior Vice President Mr. Chaudhry Iftikhar Ahmed Cheema; former Adviser to the Chief Minister of Punjab Mr. Chaudhry Azhar Waraich; Acting Convener of the Pakistan Solidarity Forum Mr. Chaudhry Tasawwar Hussain; Mr. Chaudhary Muhammad Akram of Community Bridge; Mr. Nasir Iqbal Sardar Khan of Hajj Volunteer and Humanitarian Community Services; and other distinguished guests presented special shields and certificates to the participating team members in recognition of their contributions.
Kababish restaurant owner Mr. Ali Khursheed received
a special award for his efforts to promote arts and literature, while Kababish
Pink Club was honoured for supporting and hosting the event and encouraging
women to participate in positive activities.
Other prominent attendees included Pakistan Muslim League
(N) Chairman Mr. Chaudhry Akram Gujjar; Pakistan Investors Forum General
Secretary Mr. Mehr Abdul Khaliq Lak; Mr. Malik Mohsin; Expo
Events owner Mr. Ibrahim Bakhsh; journalists Mr. Noor ul Hassan
Gujjar, Mr. Mohammed Jameel Rathore and Mr. Maruf Hussain; Saudi
media professional Mr. Sultan Abdur Rehman Al-Balouchi; Saudi journalist
and businesswoman Dr. Sameera Aziz; members of the Pakistani community;
and media representatives.
Speakers at the event emphasised the importance of providing
women with constructive platforms through which they can demonstrate their
professional, creative and entrepreneurial capabilities. The organisers
expressed their commitment to continuing initiatives that encourage women’s
participation, cultural engagement and community development.
The celebration concluded with a renewed commitment among
the participants to continue promoting Pakistan’s culture, traditions, national
unity and positive image while contributing constructively to the multicultural
social fabric of Saudi Arabia.
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