A mix of rich Pakistani culture was showcased at the Bait Al Sulaiti Culture Centre under the auspicious of the Qatar's Ministry of Culture recently.
A thematic scene reflecting the many cultures of different areas of Pakistan was created by a talented community team to express solidarity with Qatar and celebrate the ongoing FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
The programme commenced with recitation of verses from the Holy Qur’an, followed by national anthems of Qatar and Pakistan.
Waheed Ullah Khan, community welfare attaché at the Pakistan embassy, lauded the efforts to present the great Qatari culture to FIFA fans as well as the finer points of Pakistani culture. He also highlighted the vital role of the Pakistani community and Pakistani institutions in the presentation of the historical event and read out the Pakistani ambassador’s message to the audience.
Jamal al-Faez al-Saeedi from the Ministry of Culture, co-ordinator Nezha Slaou, Pakistan International Airlines country manager Muhammad Waqas and several community leaders and representatives witnessed the presentation.
The colourful cultural gala, depicting Pakistan’s provincial and regional folk cultural diversity through music, folk dances and songs were prepared by renowned hosts Dr Khalil Ullah Shibli and Shabber Ali. They explained the history of each and every cultural presentation to keep the audience interest alive.
Uzma Ansari, Shahida Khan and Shoaib Baloch shone through the handicrafts, regional dresses and the contemporary thematic scene besides flag-waving children dressed up in cultural attires. Shan-e-Lahore Restaurant and Sawghaat Sweets served snacks and traditional food. Sunder Trading Company put on display Pakistan’s leading food products.
The Sindhi folk dance team was led by Junaid Mahar, while Pushto performances were co-ordinated by Fahad Ismail. Baloch performances were led by Shoaib Baloch with singer Azeem Baloch. Punjabi folk songs and audience participation were led by Jamshaid Shahzad Bajwa. Mazhar Yousufzai and Haleem Bangash rendered melodious patriotic and folk Pashto songs. Shoaib Baloch and Azeem Baloch enthralled the audience, accompanied by scintillating Balochi performances.
Led by Tanweer Awan and his team, Hassan Gillani, Ghulam Hussain, and Jamshaid Shahzad Bajwa, took the prime role in orchestrating famous Pakistani ghazals and folk numbers concluding with the most popular patriotic number ‘Dil Dil Pakistan’ by involving every member of the audience and arranging seamless musical beats and accompaniments.
Traditional Sindhi Ajrak, Balochi Kotee and Pashto Pagg were presented to the Ministry of Culture guests as a gesture of goodwill. Riyaz Ahmed Bakali presented the certificate of appreciation to every participant. Mohammad Ajmal Chaudhary explained the entire planning and execution stage of the show and thanked all the stakeholders to conclude the event.
