It was an individual initiative. But the cause was gigantic. Dr. Mansour Memon, a prominent medical professional working in a leading public sector hospital in Riyadh, hosted an informal dinner reception last week at Pakistani Embassy in Riyadh to project his country's image as a destination for investors and tourists. He invited about 100 guests that included 22 ambassadors, senior diplomats of various countries and members of Saudi and Pakistani business community. Pakistan Ambassador Umar Khan Alisherzai and Dr. Kazem Niaz, Welfare Counselor were also present. Dr. Memon said the purpose behind the high-profile gathering organized in cooperation with the Pakistani Embassy was to project the right image of Pakistan. He said he is pained to read news stories in the international media that portray Pakistan as a troubled state, particularly after the 9/11. “Pakistan is in the media limelight for all the wrong reasons, when in fact Pakistanis are a progressive nation,” he said. The international media highlights about Pakistan's war against terror in tribal areas, suicide attacks on military and civilian population, the back-breaking inflation, frequent power cuts, growing unemployment rate and country's fiscal debt, political bickering, security issues, the increasing differences between the state judiciary and the government. He, however, said that there was hardly any media coverage about the positive aspects of the country. Despite all the upheavals his country is facing today a large majority of Pakistanis believed in peace, amity and modernity, he said. He said that during the reception, he and other officials at the Pakistani Embassy conveyed a message to the international community about the progressive nature of the country's population. His father Ghulam Mohammed Memon, former bureaucrat who served the country with love and dedication, inspired Dr. Memon to take up a mission and promote Pakistan's image while working abroad. Dr. Memon has made it a point to host at least two or three such receptions every year by inviting ambassadors based in Riyadh from embassies of Pakistan-friendly countries. He said Pakistan has rich culture and traditions. Each visiting ambassador was presented with a hand-woven shawl, imported from Pakistan for the event. Dr. Memon spends time and money aimed at strengthening ties between Riyadh-based Pakistani business community, ambassador of friendly countries and distinguished Saudis. He said Pakistan is a country that offers lucrative business and investment opportunities for foreign investors. Besides, Pakistan is a tourist attraction for people that love nature, culture and tradition. “All this makes Pakistan a perfect destination for international tourists,” he said. Ambassador Alsherzai admired Dr. Memon and his family's efforts to promote Pakistan as a destination for investors and tourists. Dr. Memon's wife Dr. Erum welcomed the spouses of ambassadors and briefed them about Pakistani culture. Dr Kazim Niaz briefly spoke about Dr. Memon's services for Pakistan focused on enhancing the collegial bond between Pakistan-friendly countries. Earlier, Dr Memon welcomed the guests. ‘Ho Jamalo' a Pakistani folk song was played as the background music on the occasion that created a feel of Pakistani tradition. Dr. Memon sets aside a fund of about SR50,000 on a yearly-basis to organize such events.
