Guests say Iftar dua before the meal. Right: COMMUNITY MEAL: A large number of Pakistani expatriates attended the Iftar hosted by PAS-Qatar at Pak Shamaa School premises.
By Umer Nangiana
It was one of those rare opportunities to meet friends and socialise over some delicious desi food, so a good attendance was inevitable. However, the response to ‘invitation for all’ by Pakistan Arts Society (PAS-Qatar) for an Iftar party was actually overwhelming. The temptation of authentic biryani, specially prepared by a chef from Pakistan, was perhaps too strong to ignore. For many expats, especially bachelors, the Iftar was a reminder of Ramadan back home.
“This is the best biryani you would find in Doha perhaps,” claimed one of the hosts. Setting a new trend of such mass-level Iftar parties among the Pakistani expatriate community, the PAS organised the evening at Pak Shamaa School premises which was attended by an estimated 500 people.
Sitting on a carpeted floor in the traditional style of dastarkhwan (a piece of cloth spread under the food on the ground), the people were served with dates, fresh fruits and typical Iftar savouries to start with. Biryani was served for the main course, besides laban, juices and soft drinks to quench the thirst after a long day of fasting.
PAS-Qatar, a socio-cultural organisation, estimated that in response to first of such calls to host Pakistani community members for Iftar at a large-scale function, more than 450 guests replied positively.
Besides newspaper advertisements, most invitations were sent out electronically where the invited guest had to confirm their participation online. A large number of people who accepted the online invitation indeed appeared for the gathering. Including more than 50 staff, all in all the total attendance surpassed 500, said one of the hosts.
It was a bustling evening at the school. Besides PAS-Qatar staff, a team of volunteers served the guests. Running around to ensure supply of food and beverages to every guest, the volunteers’ work was more than just up to the mark.
Dishes of biryani, covered with a thin foil to keep it hot and fresh, were passed on to the guests sitting around dasterkhwans. Biryani was served with raita that typically remains an essential part of any Pakistani cuisine involving rice and meat. Some other authentic dishes from the subcontinent were also served on the side.
Asim Khan Mohammed, Counsellor at Pakistan Embassy, was present at the occasion. “It was a unique experience for us,” said M A Shahid, the Chairman of PAS-Qatar. Shahid lauded the support of the community in bringing together members on such an important occasion.
PAS President Muhammad Abrar Hussain said that the forum has always been interested in hosting such community events that “spreads joy among Pakistani expatriates, especially during Ramadan, which is the month of solidarity and gatherings.”
Mohammed Idrees Anwar, CEO & Managing Partner, KG Group of Companies, Muhammad Ali, Senior Project Co-ordinator, Redco International, and many others extended their moral support to make the event a success.
It all began in 1986 when a small group of friends started promoting Pakistani art, culture and tourism in Qatar under the banner of Sada-i-Doost. A year later, the forum was named as Pak Community Qatar and finally changed to Pakistan Arts Society–Qatar now known as PAS.
PAS objectives include dissemination of accurate and reliable information about Pakistan to Qatari and Western expatriate communities, enhancing the country’s goodwill in Qatar, boosting business relations between two countries and assist in promoting tourism in Pakistan.
“PAS works up to its extent in strengthening fraternal relations and cultural ties between Pakistani and Qatari brothers,” it adds.
Realising the fact that the Pakistani community in Qatar does not get much opportunities to enjoy cultural events and activities, PAS endeavours to organise more such events in the future.