ISLAMABAD : Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar inaugurated the PFOWA Annual Charity Bazaar 2025 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday 23 Nov 2025.
In his remarks as the Chief Guest, he appreciated PFOWA’s spirit of service, community engagement and longstanding commitment to humanitarian causes. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to empowering women and enhancing their socio-economic well-being.
He acknowledged the contributions of the Foreign Service community, the Diplomatic Corps, the volunteers, and PFOWA leadership for their dedication to social welfare, especially their support to underprivileged communities across Pakistan.
A large number of embassies, companies and organizations set up stalls where they displayed the traditional items expressing their cultures with their national dishes for the sale and taste of the visitors.
Ambassadors and diplomats of Azerbaijan, Brunie, Belgium, Egypt, China,Morocco, Myanmar, Malaysia,Nepal, Indonesia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Turkiye, Turnisia, Thailand, TRNC Philippines,Rwanda, Syria, Sudan, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Uzbekistan, Yemen, Vietnam, Palestine participated in the activity.
The DPM/FM also visited the vibrant stalls showcasing diverse cultures and cuisines from around the world.
He congratulated PFOWA for successfully organizing this signature event and wished all participants an enjoyable and meaningful experience.
He emphasized the Foreign Office’s ongoing diplomatic efforts, including recent high-level engagements in Moscow and Brussels, as crucial for advancing Pakistan’s national interests.
Embassy of Uzbekistan in Pakistan proudly showcased country. The aim of the festival was to strengthen cultural and humanitarian cooperation, promote the rich history and heritage of participating nations, and enhance tourism linkages.
The Uzbekistan pavilion became a true centre of attention, presenting:
• traditional Uzbek dishes — plov, manti, samsa, lagman, etc.;
• Uzbek sweets — halva, chak-chak and others;
• handicrafts and items of traditional applied arts;
• national costumes and musical instruments;
• live Uzbek music.
The performances of Andijan Polka and Lazgi created a genuine sensation — guests applauded, filmed videos, and even joined in the dancing.
More than 15,000 visitors attended the event, including diplomatic missions, ambassadors, international organizations, media, and residents of Islamabad.
They highly appreciated the craftsmanship of Uzbek artisans, the uniqueness of our cuisine, and the richness of our cultural heritage.
Distinguished Guest: The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan, H.E. Ishaq Dar, emphasized that Uzbekistan and Pakistan are bound by deep historical and cultural roots. He noted that such festivals bring nations closer, inspire the younger generation, and thanked the Embassy of Uzbekistan for its outstanding cultural presentation.
The Uzbekistan pavilion was also visited by ambassadors of Turkey, China, Malaysia, Tunisia, Azerbaijan, Vietnam, Turkmenistan, Czechia, Indonesia, Palestine, Syria, Japan, the Philippines, Morocco, Yemen, the UAE, and many others. All praised the distinctiveness of Uzbek traditions, the refinement of our handicrafts, and the exceptional taste of Uzbek cuisine.
During the “Parade of Nations”, children of embassy staff performed the Andijan Polka, receiving warm applause from the audience.
Uzbekistan’s participation in “Charity Bazaar” served as an important step in promoting our cultural heritage in Pakistan, strengthening cultural diplomacy, and increasing awareness of Uzbekistan’s rich history and vast tourism potential.
The Embassy of Kazakhstan to Pakistan took part in the annual charity bazaar. The Embassy staff and their family members prepared traditional Kazakh dishes and showcased various items featuring national symbols and ornaments.
The children of the Embassy staff took part in the “Parade of Nations,” presenting the national flag of Kazakhstan. The funds raised during the event were directed toward the charitable projects of the PFOWA.
The stall of Turkish Embassy received interest and heartfelt support. We are truly grateful to all visitors who stopped by, shared their kind words, and celebrated Turkish culture with us. Our sincere thanks also go to PFOWA for organizing such a meaningful event. It was a pleasure to take part in this gathering of brotherhood and goodwill.
Building on the success of previous years, in 2025, the Vietnam Embassy in Pakistan continued to offer residents and international friends exciting experiences of Vietnamese culture and cuisine.
Vietnamese handicrafts, stir–fried noodles, attracted visitors, including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pakistan , Ambassadors of China, Japan, Turkameniatan, Turkey, Germany.
The Embassy of the Republic of Tunisia in Islamabad participated in the Annual Charity Bazaar at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan headquarters. The Tunisian pavilion was visited by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan, Senator Ishaq Dar, accompanied by the Secretary Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Amna Baloch.
A section was dedicated within the pavilion for the introduction and promotion of Tunisian olive oil, where visitors had the opportunity to taste it and learn about its global quality. The Tunisian product received great admiration and appreciation from visitors hailing from various parts of the world.
Furthermore, a number of Tunisian community members residing in Islamabad were among the attendees, contributing to the success of the pavilion’s activities.
A stand of the Northern Cyprus Turkish Republic was set up by Representative at the Annual Fundraising Fair organized by the Women’s Association of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan and attended by the diplomatic missions based in Islamabad.
At the event which attracted a lot of attention from our stand, handicrafts unique to our country were exhibited, tastes unique to Cyprus Turkish cuisine were presented to the guests’ taste. Deputy Prime Minister of Pakistan and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, the guest of honor of the event, also visited our booth.
The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus stall was set up by our Mission, alongside other diplomatic missions based in Islamabad, at the Annual Charity Bazaar organized by the Women’s Association of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan.
The stall attracted great attention, where our national handicrafts were exhibited and delicacies from Turkish Cypriot cuisine were offered to guests. The chief guest of the event, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Ishaq Dar, also visited the stall.
The Rwanda High Commission in Pakistan participated in the Pakistan Foreign Office Women’s Association (PFOWA) Annual Charity Bazaar 2025, led by the Rwanda High Commissioner. The event was graced the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar.
Highlighting the significance of the event, Ishaq Dar praised PFOWA’s contributions to social welfare, calling their efforts “commendable.” He also noted that the bazaar beautifully showcases the vibrant cultures of different countries, reflecting the diversity and richness of global traditions.
Belgium Embassy proudly joined the PFOWA Annual Charity Bazaar. The event aimed to support underprivileged communities across Pakistan, including flood-affected families, helping them rebuild their lives. The Belgian waffle stall added a sweet touch to this meaningful day, and we thank everyone who visited and contributed to this noble cause.
