The Executive Committee (ExCom) of Aramco Retirees Association of Pakistan (ARAP) attends a dinner hosted by Malik Fazal Mehmood at Malik House in OPF Lahore on July 23, 2024, for returning overseas colleagues.
Fazal and Riaz help Imran and Abdul Hameed in cutting the cake while Awais and Idrees stand supporting them.
The Aramco Retirees Association of Pakistan (ARAP)’s Executive Committee (ExCom) attended a personalized lavish dinner arranged by Malik Fazal Mehmood to welcome Abdul Hameed, a retiree visiting Pakistan from Canada with his family, and Muhammad Imran Javaid, on a short visit with his family to Pakistan from Abqaiq, Saudi Arabia. The dinner was organized on July 23, 2024, at Malik House in OPF Colony Lahore and the following were present:
Overview
The attendees felt very lucky and proud to have Mr. Latif Bakhashi among them. A 92-year retiree from Pakistan Airforce and father-in-law of Abdul Hameed. He has been a renowned volleyball coach, player, and tournament organizer in Pakistan Air Force. During his retirement, he has been organizing different tournaments in his village and other areas.
The families started arriving at 6:30 pm with a warm welcome from the ExCom members, the host Malik Fazal Mahmood, Mrs. Mudassar Malik, daughter Samia Mehmood Malik, and sons Mohsin and Asil Maliks. As old friends start getting together, time often seems to fly by as they start catching up on life, and sharing memories while living and working together. Everyone enjoyed each other's company, and hours slipped away quickly till we started disbursing at 11:30 pm. During this long Gupshup and chatting, dinner, dessert, and tea were served. This gets to gather was a clear reminder of the value of those enduring connections and the joy they bring together. The conversation flowed effortlessly, and time seemed to stand still as they enjoyed each other's company, savoring the delicious food and the joy of rekindled friendship.
Reception:
On arrival, the guests were greeted with a variety of delicious mint margaritas. The evening began with laughter and stories. Cherishing the rare opportunity to be together again, each friend shared updates about their lives, reminiscing about their college days, and unforgettable stories of residing and working together with multiple nationals in Aramco. On the other side, ladies have a similar cordial environment of chatting, laughing, and talking about the golden times of managing one-dish parties, travelling to Riyadh, Shaybah, Khurais, Mecca, and Madin Al-Munawara and attending Saudi Aramco Employees Association (SAEA) managed events throughout the year. The kids played without a break in the basement and enjoyed their leisure time.
Pick n chose food items: L to R Fazal Mehmood, Abdul Waheed, Mohammad Awais, Abdul Hameed, Riaz Ahmed, Muhammad Idrees
Dinner
As the guests moved to the dining room, they were visibly impressed by the beautiful table setting and the feast that awaited them. Each dish was met with delighted exclamations and appreciative comments from the guests and visitors, the flavors bringing back memories of shared meals and get-togethers from their past in Abqaiq, Hofuf, and Udhailiyah. For the main course, the dining table was set with the mouth-watering aromas of cooking. The lavish dinner included tikka boti barbeque, seekh kebab, chicken pulao, chicken seismi, Haleem, chicken spaghetti, kofta, multiple naans, and various other items. All dishes were prepared and set up under the supervision and guidance of Mrs. Mudassar Malik and Samia Malik.
Group Picture before taking Dessert: From Left to Right: Imran Javaid, Abdul Waheed, Mohsin Riaz, Abdul Hameed, Mohammad Awais, Malik Mehmood, Riaz Ahmed, Muhammad Idrees, Asil Malik and Haider Javaid
The old-time events, the transformation of Aramco and Saudi Arabia, and world affairs, in general, were discussed in a very cordial environment in addition to sharing personal stories. Then everyone moved to enjoy dessert which included mango pudding and homemade sofle.
The visiting guests Abdul Hameed and Imran Javaid, surrounded by the ARAP ExCom members and sons of Idrees, Riaz and Malik were invited to cut the mouth-watering lotus cake as a gesture of happy reunion and to extend ARAP’s best wishes to visiting Aramcons and appreciation for sparing some time for this get together from their busy schedule.
Ma’assalama (Goodbye)
Towards the end of the program and a little before midnight, everyone lingered over long-awaited cups of fresh hot tea, deeply realizing how much all had missed these moments. All my friends retreated to stay in touch and visit more often, feeling a deep sense of contentment. The evening had been a beautiful reminder of the enduring bonds of friendship and the profound pleasure of sharing a meal with those you hold dear. Everyone wished Ma’assalama to each other with the hope to meet soon again, In Sha Allah (God Willing).
Group Photo of Ladies Hosts with Guests