Association of Business & Professional Women

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New Events   International women’s day                            The Association of Business & Professional Women AB&PW, celebrated international women’s day on 19th march 2005, 10 am, at Pearl Continental Hotel, the Mall Rawalpindi.   It was attended by representatives from different walks of life, prominent ladies like Mrs.Kokab Khawaja (a renowned Cocking expert), Samina Fazal (President Rawalpindi / Islamabad women’s chamber of commerce and Industry), Mrs. Ayesha Ruba (journalist), Miss Sami Almas (TV Producer) and many leading working women activists.   The Program was presided over by Major General Shahida Malik.   Major General Shahida Malik, is the first Lady as Major General in Pakistan Army’s history, and in world’s army history, only she and her husband, both are SERVING GENERAL.   Major General Shahida Malik, the chief guest, gave message that a woman who is a staunch believer, and is determined, can achieve her goal and can make the impossible, possible.   Mrs. Kokab Khawaja, a renowned Cocking expert, says women should look after the domestic affairs, and Islam does not prevent the woman from serving in various social institutions.   Samina Fazal, President Rawalpindi / Islamabad women’s chamber of commerce & Industry, in her speech told that the women in Pakistan have been constantly complaining of having being isolated from the mainstream of society. Women feel disillusioned on being maltreated by the male-oriented set up in Pakistan. They strongly claim that if they are given a chance, they can contribute more positively towards the development of all social aspects.   Miss Sami Almas, TV Producer, in her speech told that Pakistani society usually adopts a hostile attitude towards the women. Their development in society is hindered due to many factors. Particularly the rural woman has to sustain, sometimes, unbearable dominance by the other sections of society. Ayesha Ruba, Journalist highlighted the hardships faced by the women in the field of journalism.   Mrs. Khawaja, the president of AB&PW, stated that a woman may keep her connections with her family after marriage, because she expects support from her brothers and father in case of separation and divorce from her husband. A program should be launched in which the widows and the divorced will become independent.   At the end of the program, she distributed the shields among the honorable guests.
Mehfil-e-MiladThe Association of Business & Professional Women  AB&PW, celebrated Mehfil-e-Milad, on 16 April at Pearl Continental Hotel (PC), the Mall Rawalpindi In the Mehfil-e milad the women recited “Hamd” “NAAT” AND THREW LIGHT on the life of Holy Prophet (SAW). Mrs. Khawaja, the president of AB&PW, in her speech told about the teachings of the Holy Prophet (SAW) SHE EXPRESSED her views that the Holy Prophet (SAW) had given women the most eminent position in the society, and then she threw light on the rights and duties of women with reference to Islam. Mrs. Faiza Noreen, Farah Javeed, Rohma Azam expressed their views related to the topic. In the End Mrs. Seher Siddiqui along with all women prayed for the prosperity of Pakistan.
Earthquake in Pakistan with a magnitude of 7.6 on the Richter scale   Mrs. Khawaja along with members of AB&PW, visited many hospitals like RGH, CMH, MH, DHQ, and PIMS etc, for a survey of their requirements, Then, on 16th of October 2005, Mrs. Khawaja along with members of AB&PW,   paid them a visit to fulfill their demands which included bed sheets, toilets soap, crockery, bedding, clothing’s, towels, shoes and edibles etc.   On October 31st 2005, Mrs. Khawaja along with members of AB&PW visited “Crisis Center” in H-8 Islamabad where Mrs. Khawaja along with members of ABP&AW, distributed Eid Gifts among the Children individually. The gifts included bangles, henna, hair clips, socks, balloons and sweets etc. Mrs. Khawaja along with members of AB&PW, also spend some time with the victims and consoled them.   This voluntary activity will continue regularly on weekly basses, until every victim leads a normal life.