That Pakistan’s fashion industry is expanding there can be no doubt. It is now making inroads into other cities, and not just confined to lofty venues in Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad. Amazing as it might seem, the capital city of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Peshawar, is now also staking a claim in the fashion sweepstakes and the credit goes to Farhad Hussain, CEO of the fully functional National Fashion & Arts Council (NFAC).

A fashion and music gala evening was recently held at the PC in Lahore in honour of the 30-member delegation of the Delhi Press Club and Chandi Garh Press Club with Natasha Hussain aka Nattie as the host. Islamabad-based designer Rani Iman showcased her line of stunning bridal and formal wear. Couturier labels Chic and Mahid Khawar sent forth magnificence in cuts, colours, fabric and embellishments on the ramp while Zahid Jewellers dazzled all and sundry with sheer brilliance in design.

Meera stole the show at the end of the presentation by making a glamourous appearance and struck a pose as the frantic media and cameramen went wild in an attempt to capture her on the ramp. The fashion segment was choreographed by Tony Navaid Rashid with hair and make-up by Rizwan and the Revolution Media Agency as co-presenter.

In a note of thanks, Farhad Hussain welcomed the Indian guests by saying that Pakistan and its people, being stakeholders and an integral part of the South Asian region, have taken all possible steps to ensure stability, love peace and harmony and stressed upon people-to-people contact. “This particular event is a part of the initiative,” he added. He also extended thanks to Senator Jehangir Badar who was the chief guest of the evening.

Creative Director Bilal Khan promised more innovative and brilliantly conceived ideas for future events by the NFAC to send forth the message of peace, love and brotherhood not only throughout Pakistan but across borders. He thanked Peshawar-based Ali Asghar (operations) and Ehtisham Nisar Ahmed (programmes) for playing a pivotal role in the evening’s success.

Sukhbir Singh, President of the Chandi Garh Press Club touched hearts when he disclosed while being overcome with emotions that his father was from Lahore and mother from Sialkot. “I am really moved to have come to my roots and my ‘real country’,” he added.