By: Muhammad Rehan
DERA ISMAIL KHAN: The first-ever Women’s Food and Beverage Competition in the history of Dera Ismail Khan was held at Dewan-e-Khas Marquee on Mausamiyat Road on Friday under the auspices of Faizana Green Bites (SMC-Private) Limited, aiming to promote women’s entrepreneurship and home-based businesses.
A total of 310 women, organised into 31 teams of 10 members each, showcased their homemade food and beverages. Around 60 volunteer team leaders assisted participants and managed the event.
Presidential Award-winning DSP City Circle Hafiz Muhammad Adnan attended as chief guest, while Professor Dr. Sadaf Javeria, Director of the Institute of Food Science and Nutrition at Gomal University; Ms. Amara of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Food Safety and Halal Food Authority, D.I. Khan; and DSP Alamgir Khan attended as guests of honour.
Professor Dr. Sadaf Javeria supervised the judging process. The panel included Vocational Training College Principal Ms. Bella Kundi, Assistant Director Social Welfare and Women Development Ms. Saira Bukhari, Ms. Sawera Naeem, Ms. Amara, teacher Ms. Gul-e-Rana and student Urwa Noor. Entries were evaluated on taste, hygiene and safe preparation, cost, consistency and presentation.
According to the organisers, 20 women secured positions among the top 10 rankings, with two participants sharing each position. Certificates were distributed among successful contestants and all participants by Faizana Green Bites Chief Executive Muhammad Ijaz Awan, his father Muhammad Riaz, DSP Hafiz Muhammad Adnan, DSP Alamgir Khan and Professor Dr. Sadaf Javeria.
Speaking at the event, Muhammad Ijaz Awan announced that Faizana Green Bites would be formally launched in February 2027, with plans to bring 8,000 women into its network of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The initiative aims to create more than 24,000 jobs for women. Two additional competitions are planned for November and December ahead of the launch.
The initiative follows the principle of “Every Home is a Factory,” based on the model of one woman, one product and one certified home kitchen. The programme promises participation without fees or loans, with income deposited directly into women’s own accounts.
Awan said the initiative could offer hope to disadvantaged communities while promoting women’s economic independence, youth inclusion, entrepreneurship and small-business development. He expressed confidence that the model could become an example for communities across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Participating women expressed enthusiasm for the initiative, describing it as a source of hope for vulnerable women and a platform for those whose voices often go unheard.
According to the organisers, the initiative aligns with the objectives of several United Nations agencies and contributes directly to seven Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including poverty reduction, zero hunger, gender equality, decent work and economic growth, reduced inequalities, peace and strong institutions, and partnerships for development.
Awan thanked Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir Ahmed Shah, Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff, the offices of Corps Commander XI Corps Peshawar and GOC 40 Division D.I. Khan, and the Deputy Commissioner D.I. Khan for their moral support and encouragement. He also acknowledged the chief guest, other guests, judges, volunteer team leaders and participating women.
He said the Regional Police Officer D.I. Khan and District Police Officer D.I. Khan had also been invited but could not attend due to official engagements. The organisers and participants regretted their absence.
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