Under the crisp sunshine that followed a week of heavy rain, the Meena Bazaar and Job Fair at PP-172 Lahore came alive with the laughter of women and children dressed in their finest outfits. The event, organised by Zoha Foundation in partnership with Agahe, Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund, and the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme on 21-22 February offered an exclusive space for women to explore economic opportunities, showcase their talents, and enjoy a day of entertainment and camaraderie. The spirit behind this event was Chairperson Zoha Foundation Farhat Mashhood and Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, who was elected as member of the Punjab Assembly from this constituency in the 2002, 2008, 2013 and 2018 general elections.
As I entered the venue, I was met with a heartwarming sight — a cricket ground bustling with families, where dozens of children eagerly awaited their turn on massive jumping castles and merry-go-round. The area was lined with vibrant stalls run by local women, featuring handmade crafts, food, and merchandise, alongside booths set up by various organisations offering training and employment opportunities. A large stage stood at one end, where a young resident of PP-172 engaged the crowd, and local women and girls took turns entertaining the audience with singing and other performances.
The two-day event featured a variety of competitions, allowing women to demonstrate their skills and creativity.
Beyond the lively atmosphere, Meena Bazaar was also a platform for life-changing opportunities. A panel interviewed 10 applicants each, shortlisted from a pool of 460 eligible candidates, for laptops and e-bikes, assessing their academic, employment, and financial needs. One young woman, a bachelor’s student in graphic design, expressed her struggle to afford a laptop — an essential tool for her studies. It was a difficult decision for the panel, as many applicants met the rigorous selection criteria, which required proof of residency in PP-172 and demonstrated need. The same careful evaluation applied to the distribution of e-bikes, ensuring that the recipients were deserving young women in need of independent mobility.
A key highlight of the event was the participation of various organisations dedicated to women’s professional and personal growth. From tech and vocational training institutes to entrepreneurship support initiatives, the booths provided women with information on career development, financial assistance, and business opportunities. Organisations like NAVTTC, Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund, Saylani Welfare, and JDC Foundation showcased their programmes, offering guidance on IT skills, e-commerce, and startup mentorship. Companies such as Assort Tech and Axxon Group conducted on-the-spot job screenings, while institutes like PNY Trainings and COTHM presented career counselling sessions and discounted vocational courses.
The two-day event also featured a variety of competitions, allowing women to demonstrate their skills and creativity. Cooking contests challenged participants to prepare the best snacks, main dishes, and desserts, while arts and crafts competitions included sketching, painting, embroidery, and glasswork. Bridal makeup and mehndi design competitions drew significant interest, alongside a singing contest that entertained the audience. Winners of these competitions were awarded cash prizes, recognising their talent and dedication.
A key highlight of the event was the participation of various organisations dedicated to women’s professional and personal growth. From tech and vocational training institutes to entrepreneurship support initiatives, the booths provided women with information on career development, financial assistance, and business opportunities.
Throughout the two days, women and young girls explored the event, some searching for training and job prospects while others indulged in delicious homemade delicacies from various stalls. The aroma of biryani, dahi bhallay, brownies, and Kashmiri tea filled the air, adding to the festive spirit. I, too, couldn’t resist a bowl of neatly packed dahi bhallay — a rare treat in an environment where women could enjoy themselves freely.
Many attendees reminisced how Meena Bazaar was once a vibrant part of local culture but gradually faded, becoming limited to the privileged few. By offering free stalls, no entry fees, complimentary rides for children and food for the deserving, this event revived that tradition, ensuring accessibility for women from all backgrounds and truly making it a celebration for everyone. Around 150 women entrepreneurs and home-based businesses set up stalls, while 160+ women actively participated in various competitions, attracting an estimated 40,000 attendees over two days.
As the event drew to a close, Chairman Prime Minister’s Youth Programme Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan addressed the audience, reflecting on his longstanding commitment to empowering women and fostering economic growth in PP-172. He thanked the participating organisations, volunteers, and attendees for making Meena Bazaar a resounding success. His speech was followed by a prize distribution ceremony, where winners of various competitions and the laptop and e-bike recipients were awarded their prizes. Even though Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan was not elected in the last election, he has remained committed to serving his constituents by organising initiatives that directly uplift the community, at a time when election campaigns remain in the distant future.
