Lahore Press Club Hosts Colorful Meena Bazaar — A No-Profit Initiative Supporting Women Journalists

By Farzana Chaudhry — Lahore, Pakistan

The National Women Journalists Forum and the Lahore Press Club jointly organized a vibrant and family-friendly Meena Bazaar on a “No Profit, No Loss” basis at the Lahore Press Club, attracting a large number of women journalists and families.

The event was inaugurated by Lahore Press Club President Arshad Ansari, who praised the initiative for promoting women journalists and providing affordable shopping options. Senior journalists including Farah Warich, Sadia Salahuddin, Tamsila Chishti, Shahnila, Kanwal Naseem, Darakhshanda Alamdar, Rabia Azmat, Dafiya Naheed Ikram, Mubashara Sultan, Nabila Akbar, Zahida Parveen, Zubaida Khanum, Ghazala Ismat, Iqra Mughal, Mahira Hashmi, Khawla Arshad, and Saima Iqbal were also in attendance.

Affordable Shopping for Journalist Families

More than 25 stalls showcased a wide range of products at discounted, non-profit rates, including:

Branded clothing

Cosmetics and beauty products

Jewelry

Mehndi

Homemade organic spices

Handmade items

Traditional foods and snacks

Popular brands such as Talha Ahmed, Pathar by Farooq Hussain, Parle Cosmetics, and AS Beauty Products drew significant attention. Stalls set up by women journalists — including Ghazala Ismat Khan, Dr. Saima Iqbal, Khawla Arshad, and Nabila Akbar — were also well received.

Food stalls offering dahi bhallay, lado pithi, samosas, rolls, chana chaat, fruit chaat, and other local favorites remained crowded throughout the day.

Leadership and Organization

President Najaf Farzana Chaudhry played a key role in bringing brands, home-based entrepreneurs, and organic product sellers together under the no-profit model. Her team — General Secretary Darakhshanda Alamdar, Vice President Mubashara Sultan, Finance Secretary Rabia Azmat, Information Secretary Nabila Akbar, and active member Zahida Parveen — worked tirelessly to make the bazaar a success.

In their joint statement, President Arshad Ansari, Advisory Committee Chairperson Najaf, and senior journalist Farah Warraich praised the dedication of Farzana Chaudhry for her efforts toward women journalists’ welfare. They reaffirmed their commitment to supporting such initiatives in the future.

A Festival of Colors and Community Spirit

Visitors appreciated the initiative for offering quality products at accessible prices — a first in the history of the Lahore Press Club. Handmade jewelry, beauty items, organic products, and affordable branded goods proved to be major attractions.

The Meena Bazaar concluded in the evening with lively participation, memorable moments, and overwhelming appreciation for the organizers, marking a successful celebration of community, culture, and empowerment for women journalists in Lahore.