Young Pakistani women invited to join society

DUBAI // A group of young Pakistani women are inviting young compatriots to join a new society aimed at promoting culture, religion and education. The Girls Wing, based in Dubai but open to young women across the UAE, is the latest branch of the Pakistan Association in Dubai, which already has a Ladies Wing, Business Forum and Doctors Group. "We are just getting together the whole community of Pakistani girls across the Emirates," said the Girls Wing president Anum Khaleeq, 21. "It is mainly to introduce the girls to basic Pakistani culture within the religious boundaries."

Events throughout the year will include celebrations of both Pakistani and UAE national days, Islamic festivals, career guidance, talent shows, social events, cooking contests, market days and fundraising for those who cannot afford an education. "It is all to get together the youth of Pakistan, the girls," Ms Khaleeq said. "We want to provide them with a platform, share our talents and have activities for people to come together and do something."

All Pakistani women aged 15 to 30 are encouraged to join. There are about 850,000 Pakistanis living in the UAE, making them the second-largest community after the Indians. The Girls Wing is planning to invite about 400 women to a dinner to mark the official launch and will announce the date shortly. The party will be held at the Pakistan Association of Dubai's grounds in Bur Dubai, probably in the next two months.

The joining fee is Dh100 (US$27) but discounts of 25 per cent are available until March and there are some reductions for groups. asafdar@thenational.ae