By Rafiq Vayan
DUBAI: Shaan-e-Pakistan, the brainchild of Huma Haji Zakar Pardesi, hosted its annual Lamyaati Sahoor night here earlier today, this time also celebrating inclusion, talent, and unity in their programme. The soulful event witnessed a large turnout of prominent personalities including Jimmy Engineer Irfan Memon, Dr. Lubna Hafeez Siddiqui, Ishtiaq Baig, Ikhtiar Baig, Ahmed Chinoy, Faisal Mehmood, Jawed Iqbal, Faizan Haqee, Mohammed Azmat and Asifa Ataka, Nadia Hussain, Seemi Pasha, Angie Marshal, Raheel Haroon, and Nazia Malik.
The programme commenced with a bustling red carpet, followed by Lamyaati as guests gathered, setting a reflective and spiritual tone for the night. Shanaz Ramzi delivered the formal welcome address, throwing light on the activities of Shaane e Pakistan, and in particular the SEP Academy for the Visually Impaired, which recently signed an MOU with Ida Rieu. She stated, “Today, we are celebrating inclusivity. The evening will highlight the extraordinary abilities of visually impaired students and mark a meaningful step towards sustained empowerment.”
Ramzi further highlighted the vision behind the Academy and Huma’s desire and endeavours to actively promote an inclusive society by providing visually-impaired students opportunities to perform live on stage, and enhancing their talent, be it of singing, or even modelling. She added, “The SEP Academy is planning a fashion event on the 9th of May, in which, for the first time, blind students will be integrated into the creative showcase. You are most welcome to support this cause in any which way you choose. Let us make a shared commitment to creating platforms that promote and uplift talented individuals from all walks of life.”
A soulful night followed by a scrumptious sehri kept the guests mesmerized till the wee hours of the morning. Huma presented the vote of thanks and said, “Today highlights our resolve to promote the visually challenged. I aim to actively support such students through skill development, performance opportunities, and broader public engagement. Already, at our Academy, we have classes taking place to teach them music. The fashion show will be the next step, but I have huge plans for them after that as well, as part of my ongoing commitment to inclusion.”
This initiative reflects a larger vision: moving beyond charity towards empowerment, visibility, and meaningful integration. By providing platforms that celebrate talent irrespective of physical limitations, Shaan-e-Pakistan and SEP Academy reaffirm their dedication to fostering an inclusive society.
