A Memorable Evening of Unity, Reflection, and Community Spirit in Washington Metropolitan Area
By Dr Ghulam Nabi Fai
It is customary to warmly welcome overseas guests and extend due respect upon their arrival in the Washington metropolitan area. This time, however, the gathering carried a deeper significance—blending a social reception, a homecoming celebration, and a spiritual assembly into one meaningful occasion.
A remarkable welcome dinner was graciously hosted by Sardar Zubair Khan, Sardar Zarif Khan, and Sardar Shoaib Irshad in honor of distinguished visitors. Among the special guests were Malik Shoaib Awan, Chairman of the Punjab Education Foundation (PEF) and former Member of the Provincial Assembly (MPA), along with Shahid Butt, Gulshad Khan, and Tikka Khan.
The evening was further enriched by the presence of long-standing members of the DMV community who had returned to celebrate Eid with family and friends. These included Sardar Zulfiqar Roshan Khan, Sardar Kabir Chughtai, and Brigadier (Retd.) Zafar Thathal Sahib.
A particularly spiritual dimension was added by Bilal Butt, who had recently returned after performing Umrah, having spent over a month in the sacred cities of Makkah and Madinah, and visiting various holy sites. In a gesture of generosity and blessing, he brought Zamzam water, which was shared among the attendees.
Speaking on the occasion, Malik Shoaib Awan highlighted the mission and achievements of the Punjab Education Foundation (PEF). He emphasized that PEF is committed to expanding access to quality education, particularly for underprivileged communities, by encouraging and supporting private sector participation. Through innovative public-private partnerships, the Foundation provides both technical and financial assistance to low-cost private schools.
Mr Awan underscored the importance of teacher training and professional development, particularly for institutions serving students from low-income households, often charging minimal fees. He also noted that with women comprising over 53 percent of Pakistan’s population, PEF places special emphasis on promoting female education.
Sardar Zubair Khan, Sardar Zarif Khan and Sardar Shoaib Irshad warmly welcomed all participants, emphasizing the importance of community cohesion and shared purpose. The gathering brought together a wide cross-section of the community, including Malik Hamid, Moazzam Aftab Sahi, Gulsher Sahi, Mukarram Shahzad Sahi, Asif Manget, Asif Butt, Akram Butt, Shakeel Anjum, Sardar Yameen, Sardar Aftab Roshan, Jamal Khattak, Mian Waseem, Mian Zulfiqar, Sajjad Baloch, Muhammad Shaheen Maqsood Hussain, Ayan Shah, and Dalo Khan, among others.
The evening concluded with remarks by Dr Ghulam Nabi Fai, who offered prayers (du‘a) for the well-being of the Ummah and for peace, harmony, and prosperity for humanity at large.
Dr Fai is also the Secretary General of the World Kashmir Awareness forum. - gnfai2003@yahoo.com www.kashmirawareness.org )
