U.S. AMBASSADOR ASTONISHED (Women Handy Craft Fair Muzaffarabad AJK)

Women Welfare Organization and Ministry of Culture AJK organized Handy Craft Fair and welcomed U.S. Ambassador Richard Olson with Deputy Director USAID Pakistan Nancy Estes, Jaime Social Sector Advisor, U.S Embassy, Catherine Moore Deputy Mission Director, USAID and Saadia Mehmood Communication Specialist, US Embassy.

The event was inaugurated by Ambassador Richard Olson. Purpose of this fair was to highlight the Kashmir culture at international level. Ambassador Richard Olson greeted the women for a great effort.

 “Today’s visit is an important opportunity for me to see the women of AJK are much empowered and have great talent. This all is really astonishing” Olson said.

Kashmir is rich in culture but AJK is neglected area and after earthquake 2005 everything is demolished, culture is fading. It is good step to show our culture and women talent to U.S Ambassador as it will open opportunities not only for women but for the state, to flourish.

 Women Welfare Organization arranges the fair in great way and show Kashmiri shawls, Rugs, Wooden Work,Embroided Dresses and much more.

Ambassador with the guests not only took great interest but also bought many things.

Nancy Estes purchased kashmiri embroided shirt

This one is really marvelous. Just bought it and loven it (Jaime)

“I have visited many times to Kashmir but never thought that kashmiri girls can have such talent and awareness.Very happy to see you . US embassy is very much interested to work in this area. Soon this state will boom”. Saadia Mehmood, Communication Specialist, U.S Embassy.

This was a great event by social Welfare Organization, either it was not open for public and no traditional press was invited. 

Event was concluded with hope that America will pay special attention to this neglected area as America always show great interest in promoting different Pakistani cultures which speaks of friendship between Pakistan and America. 

Fair was arranged at Pearl Continental Muzaffarabad at Thursday Evening . 

Reported by Seemi Mughal
seemi92747@gmail.com