Aziz Boolani, regional CEO of Serena Hotels and his wife Wiqar Boolani hosted a large Iftar dinner for foreign envoys and dignitaries last week.

Present at the Iftar were parliamentarians, government officials, officers in the armed forces, corporate executives, heads of international agencies, journalists, and a large number of ambassadors and high commissioners. Murad Ashraf Janjua was a senior guest from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Serena’s Sheesh Mahal banquet hall was decorated to appear like an Arabian night in Ramazan. The foyer’s decorations and glitter resembled moonlight over white draped Bedouin tents.

There was a variety of dishes with a live kitchen and a healthy food corner for guests who were more health conscious. “The Pakistani sweets corner attracted almost everyone. So, maybe we are not yet really into health food,” a guest remarked.

Live music relevant was played, giving the evening a somber and reflective tone. Conversations seemed to be pleasant, with the hosts circulating, greeting most of the guests at the large event.

Published in Dawn, May 20th, 2019