Karachi: A culinary celebration unfolded here earlier today as Shanaz Ramzi, CEO of Starlinks, a trailblazing figure in the realms of PR and Event Management and renowned author, proudly launched Pakistan’s first culinary encyclopedia of sorts, Oxford Companion to Pakistani Cuisine with the help of co-sponsor National Foods and publisher Oxford University Press. The book launch featured a stimulating panel discussion and speeches by prominent personalities and was attended by a large number of guests from all walks of life.
After a bustling Red Carpet, the programme commenced with the host, Shahzad Abdullah inviting Arshad Saeed Hussain, MD Oxford University Press, to welcome the guests.
Next to be invited to speak was the celebrated author and intellectual, Senator Javed Jabbar who had earlier reviewed the book as well. Speaking in his quintessential eloquent style Jabbar held the guests captivated with his glowing appreciation of the contents of the book.
The host then invited Faraz Noorani, son of senior journalist and contributor to the book, Asif Noorani who could not attend the launch owing to ill health, to read a message he had sent for the occasion. The touching message paid warm tribute to the editor of the book.
The highlight of the evening was the panel discussion moderated by ace host Sidra Iqbal, who introduced the eminent panelists comprising Karachi-based contributors to the Companion – Yasmeen Lari, Zarnak Sidhwa, Lal Majid, Sibtain Naqvi, Shaha Tariq and Shanaz Ramzi herself. The questions posed by Iqbal and the ensuing discussion presented an insightful look into the contents of the book and the culinary legacy of Pakistan.
Finally, Ramzi addressed the guests in her closing remarks. She expressed her heartfelt thanks to all the attendees for their presence, and especially to the co-sponsor of the event, National Foods, and publisher OUP for making the launch such a huge success. Her closing remarks brought the formal program to a befitting conclusion, with a sumptuous Pakistani dinner spread out for the guests to partake of the event also saw an exquisite dinner served, one of the items thoughtfully crafted from National Foods’ cherished recipe, offering guests an authentic and delightful culinary experience.
