A high-profile cultural dinner at Manchester's New Century Hall helped raise much needed funds for a charitable organisation.
The Pakistan Human Development Fund aims to improve education, healthcare, income generation and resource mobilization in Pakistan. The event was hosted by the Pakistani Consulate in Manchester.
The event kicked off over an hour later than planned but when it did finally begin the nights entertainment included classical dance by Nighat Chaudhry, modern dance from the AFM Dance Team, music from classical sarodist Asad Qilbash and violinist / composer Dilshad Hussain Khan. The evening was rounded off with a qawalis from world-famous late Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan's group BJS.
Among the speakers on the night was Dr. Nasim Ashraf, Minister of State in Pakistan and Chairman of the National Commission for Human Development.
A charity auction led by Shere Khan Group chief executive Nighat Awan raised over £60,000 for the PHDF, with items ranging from gorgeous Persian rugs and diamond bracelets to Wasim Akram's batting gloves, presented by the cricketing legend himself.
The PHDF is also active in promoting income-generating skills for newly literate people graduating from the adult literacy programme as well as the mobilization of resources from international donors. AFM CarterAndersen and the Shere Khan Group sponsored the event.
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