Immediate Medical Assistance for Injured Pakistanis and Facilitation for Their Return to Pakistan

Consul General Syed Mustafa Rabbani Thanks Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Jeddah Diary

Amir Muhammad Khan

Consul General of Pakistan in Jeddah, Syed Mustafa Rabbani, has expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs team in Jeddah and Saudi Ambassador to Yemen Ahmed Al-Jabri for their assistance in bringing back injured Pakistani sailors following the Houthi attack on a Tanzanian-flagged vessel.

He particularly appreciated their efforts in facilitating the safe arrival in Jeddah of six injured Pakistani sailors and the bodies of two Pakistani crew members, providing them with medical assistance and making arrangements for their onward journey to Pakistan. The Saudi Ambassador to Yemen personally made special efforts in this regard. The Consul General also thanked the Yemeni authorities for their cooperation.

It may be recalled that eight Pakistani nationals were affected in the Houthi attack on a Tanzanian vessel near the Bab Al-Mandab area off Yemen. Two Pakistanis were killed, three sustained injuries, while three others suffered minor injuries.

The affected Pakistanis arrived in Jeddah from Aden aboard a Yemenia Airways flight. With the cooperation of the Saudi authorities, special arrangements were made for their reception and medical care. The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs also arranged medical facilities for them upon their arrival in Jeddah.

At Jeddah Airport, they were received by Consul General Syed Mustafa Rabbani, Head of Chancery Ghulam Hussain, and Community Welfare Attaché Zainab. The Saudi authorities made excellent arrangements, including ambulances and a 10-member medical team, which conducted medical examinations and provided the injured with necessary treatment.

All the Pakistani nationals departed for Pakistan later that night. Throughout the process, there was close coordination and full cooperation between the Saudi authorities and Pakistani diplomatic officials.

The Consul General also thanked the medical team at Jeddah Airport for conducting comprehensive medical examinations and ensuring that the passengers were fit to travel. The dressings of the injured passengers were also changed.

On the occasion, Consul General Syed Mustafa Rabbani met the injured Pakistanis and encouraged them. The six Pakistani sailors were in good spirits and were reported to be safe and stable.

## Pakistan Independence Day Celebrated with Enthusiasm by Women

Dr. Rukhshanda Puri, a prominent and active member of the Jeddah community, has always followed the example of her husband, Masood Ahmed Puri, in charitable and community welfare activities. She regularly organizes events for social and humanitarian causes.

This year, she organized a special gathering of women to mark Pakistan Independence Day. The event began with the recitation of the Holy Quran by Noor Amjad, followed by the national anthem performed by Naima Saleem.

Dr. Rukhshanda Puri and Suriya Jabeen performed the duties of stage secretaries, while Samra Amjad presented a Naat. The programme was organized with the support of Nusheena Zahid, Taj Bano, Rubila Jameel and Nashwa Jameel.

Nashwa Jameel received an award for presenting an outstanding tableau to a national song. Naima Saleem, Noor Amjad, Samra Amjad and Farah Ali were also presented awards for their beautiful performance of a patriotic song.

On the occasion, the organizers joined Dr. Rukhshanda Puri in presenting the national song “Jeeve Jeeve Pakistan.” Before the dinner, prayers were offered for Pakistan’s progress, prosperity and well-being.

## Pakistani-Origin Dr. Mansoor Memon Honoured with Sitara-e-Imtiaz

Dr. Mansoor Memon, a prominent Pakistani doctor who lived in Saudi Arabia for many years, has been honoured with the Sitara-e-Imtiaz at the Pakistan Consulate in Toronto on the occasion of Pakistan Independence Day.

Dr. Memon spent a significant part of his professional and community life in Jeddah and Riyadh, actively participating in community events and activities. He received the prestigious honour in recognition of his services in healthcare, education, welfare and the effective representation of Pakistan at the international level.

A medical science specialist and graduate of Aga Khan University, Dr. Memon has rendered significant services in both Saudi Arabia and Canada. In Canada, he established a cardiac diagnostics centre and a family medical practice. He also guided 26 Pakistani medical graduates in securing placements in Canadian residency programmes.

Dr. Memon has also played an important role in helping secure the release of Pakistani prisoners, undertaking welfare initiatives, and promoting Pakistan-Saudi Arabia and Pakistan-Canada relations.

Diplomats, Canadian parliamentarians and community leaders attended the ceremony and paid tribute to Dr. Memon for his valuable services.

## “Journey of Independence Through Flavours” — Cooking Competition for Women

A unique cooking competition titled **“Journey of Independence Through Flavours”** was organized to highlight Pakistani culture, traditional cuisine and the talents of Pakistani women.

The competition was held in Jeddah with the cooperation of the Investors Forum and the National Unity Forum. The event was supervised by renowned Gold Medal-winning Chef Afshan, whose expertise has been sought at international cooking competitions held in various cities across Saudi Arabia.

Under Chef Afshan’s supervision, Pakistani women beautifully presented the cultural and traditional flavours of Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Participants presented traditional dishes from their respective provinces, demonstrating not only their culinary skills but also the rich cultural diversity of Pakistan.

According to the results, Ayesha Mansoor secured first position, Aram Yusuf stood second, while Ayesha Sattar won third position.

At the conclusion of the event, prominent members of the Jeddah community presented certificates of appreciation to the successful participants.

Pakistani women and Chef Afshan, who has achieved success in international competitions, expressed their determination to continue promoting Pakistani culture, traditions and national unity while living abroad.

Dr. Samira Aziz, Masood Ahmed Puri, Chaudhry Tasawwur, Azhar Waraich and other prominent personalities also attended the event.

Participants described **“Journey of Independence Through Flavours”** as a positive and effective initiative for promoting Pakistani culture, women’s abilities and national unity.

## Pakistan Independence Day Celebrated by Muslim League Women

A dignified ceremony was organized by Khadija Malik, General Secretary of the Women’s Wing of Pakistan Muslim League (N), in Saudi Arabia to mark Pakistan Independence Day.

A large number of Pakistani women from the Jeddah community attended the event.

Addressing the participants, Khadija Malik said that Pakistan’s independence was the result of the unparalleled sacrifices and struggle of our elders. She said independence was one of Allah Almighty’s greatest blessings, and protecting and valuing it was the collective responsibility of every citizen.

She emphasized that Independence Day was not merely a day for celebration but also an occasion to renew the national commitment to Pakistan.

Renowned Saudi doctor Dr. Roua Meera also addressed the gathering and said every citizen must play a role in the development and progress of the country. She emphasized that national unity, solidarity, tolerance, respect, adherence to the law and discipline were essential to making Pakistan stronger.

Dr. Roua Meera also said that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia would continue to play their respective roles in strengthening their longstanding brotherly relations.

The national anthem was played during the ceremony, followed by a cake-cutting ceremony and a dinner for the participants.

## Overseas Pakistani Volunteers Group Holds Independence Day Ceremony

The Overseas Pakistani Volunteers Group (OPVG) Jeddah organized a special ceremony to mark Pakistan’s 79th Independence Day. A large number of members of the Pakistani community, families and children attended the event.

Patriotic songs, impressive performances by children, speeches, tableaux and various cultural programmes created a festive atmosphere. The audience warmly appreciated the children who demonstrated their artistic abilities.

The ceremony was presided over by OPVG Jeddah President Gul Shehzad Jadoon, while Ali Ahmed performed the duties of host. Addressing the gathering, Gul Shehzad Jadoon welcomed the guests and participants and congratulated them on Independence Day.

Children presented national songs, speeches and various tableaux, receiving enthusiastic applause from the audience. The participants particularly appreciated the preparation and well-organized performances by the girls.

On the occasion, senior forum member and renowned social activist Safia Zohaib Ali was appreciated for her special role in preparing the children and helping them deliver outstanding performances.

At the conclusion, organizers Gul Shehzad Jadoon, Kh. Naeem Akhtar, Kashif Razaq, Rashid Mahmood, Sulaiman Butt, Ali Ahmed and others distributed special shields among prominent members of the community and those who performed exceptionally during the event.

The participants then jointly cut the Independence Day cake and offered prayers for the security, progress and prosperity of Pakistan.