On Sunday, 19 November 2023, Ambassador Azhar and Madam Amelia together with the Home-Based Staff (HBS) and their spouses participated in "Pakistan Foreign Office Women Association (PFOWA) Annual Charity Bazaar" at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Islamabad. Her Excellency Madam Samina Alvi, First Lady of Pakistan graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. The theme for this year was “Small Steps - Big Difference" aimed at encouraging the public to join efforts to make big difference in the life of differently abled children. Around 10,000 people including diplomatic community and people from different walks of life attended the event. Twenty six (26) embassies/high commissions, 23 sponsors and 102 vendors participated in the event. The proceeds of the charity bazaar would be used for the welfare of the low-income staffers of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
In her address at the event, Madam Samina Alvi stated that government was working on women empowerment to ensure their participation in Pakistan's development as well as to create early awareness of breast cancer and assist people with disability. The First Lady called for extending maximum facilitation for the persons with disability and patients facing mental issues. In this context, she urged the media and international community based in Pakistan to play their due role in creating awareness and welfare to those in need.
The diplomatic missions put up stalls at the event showcasing their respective cultures, cuisines and handicrafts. The bazaar was a delightful mix of commercial and cultural brands, and a treasure trove of goodies – from tasty dishes to colourful handicrafts and traditional artifacts. Madam Samina Alvi took the time to visit all the stalls including Malaysia. On hand to receive her at the Malaysian stall was Madam Amelia Azhar, Chairperson of PERWAKILAN Islamabad. Malaysian famous dishes sold out were Nasi Lemak, Teh Tarik, and Beef Rendang. In addition, the Malaysian stall displayed Malaysian made jewelleries, handicrafts and batik. PERWAKILAN Islamabad also took part in the cultural performance of 'Joget Rasa Sayang'.
