Pakistan’s special envoy visits Afghanistan amid deepening tensions over militancy

ISLAMABAD: A vibrant Ramadan festival held in Pakistan’s capital city Islamabad this week featured over 100 small businesses and their products ranging from handcrafted textiles to homemade food items, bringing together entrepreneurs, food lovers and eager shoppers. 

The ‘Winter Fete Suhoor and Eid Night Bazaar,’ initially conceived as an annual event, has now grown into a bi-monthly tradition. It offers a vital launching pad for startups and home-based businesses to showcase their products. 

The latest edition of the festival was held at founder Sabeen Abdal’s house in Islamabad on Saturday, Mar. 22, from 6:00pm to 1:30am. It featured an eclectic mix of businesses selling home decor, handcrafted textiles, food items and fashion accessories.

“We started this as an opportunity for startups who don’t have storefronts to showcase their products,” Abdal told Arab News. 

“There’s a big shortage of such events in our city, so now we host an event every two months,” she explained. “Many of our vendors are women-led businesses and startups, which makes this even more special.”

Zara Nadeem, an entrepreneur whose business specializes in wardrobes and home decor, agreed. She said the festival was an opportunity for entrepreneurs such as herself to engage with potential customers.

“Events like this help us create brand awareness and consolidate our brand,” Nadeem, who recently opened her first showroom, said. 

“We are trying to shift the mindset that quality only comes from imported products. We want to produce high-quality items locally in Pakistan.”

Jumana Vijlani, an entrepreneur who recently launched her fashion jewelry business, said the festival was proving to be a stepping stone for her to gain much-needed brand exposure.

“We are a new startup, and it has only been a few months since we began,” Vijlani said. “Events like these provide us with much-needed opportunities to advertise and boost our sales.”

Beyond shopping, the festival served as a lively social gathering where visitors connected with friends and family while supporting small businesses. 

The food stalls were a major attraction, offering popular Ramadan treats such as dahi bhallay, chaats, and traditional teas.

Hina Raza, the owner of a home-based food business, shared how such festivals play a crucial role in motivating her to pursue her passion for cooking after leaving her teaching career. 

“A year ago, I left teaching to pursue this full-time, and events like this not only help us financially but also motivate and uplift us,” Raza said. 

Mount Maunganui, New Zealand: New Zealand’s ruthless pace attack carved up Pakistan to deliver a crushing 115-run win in the fourth Twenty20 on Sunday and clinch the five-match series.
The home side moved 3-1 ahead after defending 220-6 in Mount Maunganui and then dismissing a ragged Pakistan for just 105 in the 17th over.
Jacob Duffy claimed 4-20 and fellow seamer Zak Foulkes 3-25 as Pakistan suffered their biggest T20 loss by runs against all nations, eclipsing a 95-run defeat against New Zealand in Wellington nine years ago.
The tourists were reduced to 9-3 after two overs with Duffy bagging two scalps in his first over, both caught by wicketkeeper Mitch Hay.
Duffy’s first victim was Hasan Nawaz for one, two days after the Pakistan opener blasted a maiden century in game three in Auckland to keep the series alive.
Teetering at 56-8, Pakistan’s innings had some credibility restored thanks to 44 off 30 balls from allrounder Abdul Samad.
The only other batsman to score in double figures was Irfan Khan with 24.
It was New Zealand’s second biggest T20 win by runs, nearly surpassing their 119-run drubbing of the West Indies in 2018, at the same Bay Oval venue.
Earlier, Finn Allen raced to 50 off just 20 balls, putting on 59 for New Zealand’s opening stand with Tim Seifert, whose 44 took 22 deliveries.
Seifert was the first of three batsmen dismissed by seamer Haris Rauf, who claimed 3-27.
Allen struck six fours and three sixes while captain Michael Bracewell was nearly as effective at the death, blasting 46 not out off 26 balls.
Game five is in Wellington on Wednesday.