Mehriban Aliyeva surprises Pakistani children with Eid gifts

/By AzerNews/

By Nigar Orujova

The embassy of Azerbaijan in Pakistan in collaboration with Azerbaijan-Pakistan Youth Forum set up the “Eid Gifts Distribution and Qurbani” ceremony for the orphan children of Pakistan Sweet Homes in Islamabad, Abbottabad, and Karachi, under the direction of Heydar Aliyev Foundation President Mehriban Aliyeva.

Youth Forum Head Mohammad Asif Noor and Goodwill Ambassador of Sweet Homes, Sweet Homes Parton-in-Chief Zamurad Khan, famous political and public figures, Senators and employees of the embassy participated at the event.

The ceremony was arranged at the Sweet Home in Islamabad. The aim was to share happiness with those would otherwise be unable to enjoy such festivities.

The Azerbaijani embassy has organized these events on behalf of Mehriban Aliyeva (Hilal-E-Pakistan) First Lady of Azerbaijan, President of Heydar Aliyev Foundation, and Goodwill Ambassador of UNESCO and ISESCO.

Speaking on the occasion, Azerbaijani Ambassador to Pakistan Dashgin Shikarov greeted participants and children on behalf of the first lady and people of Azerbaijan and congratulated on Eidul Azha, the Fest of Sacrifice.

He spoke about ties and shared values of two nations that brought the Muslims of Azerbaijan and Pakistan together. Shikarov briefed participants of the event on the Foundation’s activities both in Azerbaijan and other countries of the world.

He noted that the foundation had implemented number of healthcare, education, and humanitarian projects throughout all regions of Pakistan.

The ambassador also acknowledged efforts of Sweet Homes Parton-in-Chief Zamurad Khan, Azerbaijan-Pakistan Youth Forum President and Goodwill Ambassador of Sweet Homes Mohammad Asif Noor for their tireless support of all initiatives of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation in Pakistan.

He also spoke of the historical and political importance of Azerbaijani-Pakistani friendly and fraternal relations. He noted humanitarian and charity projects carried out by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation at the request of First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva are the manifestation of these bonds between the two countries.

“Mehriban Aliyeva, a woman with a golden heart has always been benevolent to the less fortunate. She continues to spread the happiness between them,” he added.

Addressing the audience, Zamurd Khan said that currently there are 3,600 children residing in several branches of Sweet Homes across the country. There is a lot of support that is necessary and required.

He went on to thank Mehriban Aliyeva for her generosity and efforts in supporting these children. The Azerbaijan-Pakistan Youth Forum president also discussed making a bridge between Pakistan and Azerbaijan through various steps in enhancing partnerships.

He said that Azerbaijan has been a great friend of Pakistan and Mehriban Aliyeva is a person having a heart made of gold, as she has always been generous and continued working to spread happiness amongst those who are underprivileged.

The children of Sweet Homes, in turn, presented patrons with a beautiful cultural show and amusing programs. At the end, gifts were distributed amongst the children.

The children of the orphanages received school bags, supplies, and other gifts on behalf of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation.

The event was broadcast on Pakistani TV channels and was covered in the Daily Times, The News, The Nation, Nawai Waqt, Pakistan Observer, Express, Diplomatic Insight, Pakistan Today, Dna News, and The Frontier Post newspapers.

The Heydar Aliyev Foundation began working with Pakistan after the earthquake in 2005 when it launched an initiative to build a new modern school for girls in Muzaffarabad. The 500-pupil school was constructed in 2007 in a mountainous area.

The foundation regularly provides the school with all the necessary equipment and pays monthly scholarships to five deserving students at the school. After completing reconstruction and renovation in 2012, the school was named after the First Lady of Azerbaijan.

Mehriban Aliyeva initiated a series of healthcare, education, and humanitarian projects throughout the provinces of Pakistan in 2012 and 2013.

The foundation also took part in World Blood Donor Day celebrations in Peshawar.