Embassy of Pakistan held a day-long cultural event “Embassy Open House”

The Embassy held a day-long cultural event “Embassy Open House” in collaboration with Cultural Tourism DC on Saturday, May 17, 2008 at the Chancery. The event provided an opportunity to showcase authentic art, music, dance, crafts and cuisine to the Washingtonians. Around 4,500, mostly Americans, visited the Pakistan Embassy during the day.

Screening of super-hit Pakistani film “Khuda Kay Liye” in the auditorium was enthusiastically seen by the Americans and Pakistani-Americans on the day. Art works of renowned Pakistani artistes, Samina Qureshi, Jimmy Engineer and Qaiser Iqbal were displayed in the Embassy lobby, which attracted keen interest of the visitors.

Pakistani marketplace was created in the courtyard of the Chancery, exhibiting traditional art and culture of Pakistani villages and towns. Stalls displaying traditional furniture, jewelry and dresses were widely appreciated by the visitors. Henna (Mehndi ) stall also attracted huge gathering.

A traditional food court was set up demonstrating live preparation of traditional Pakistani barbeque. Hundreds of visitors stood in long queues to taste the Pakistani food throughout the day. Traditional Pakistani Charpais were spread over the courtyard, where people relaxed and enjoyed the food.

Pakistani famous singer Annie performed live on stage which enthralled a huge crowd. The evening segment included a reception, followed by fashion show, dance and musical performance by Abrar ul Haq.

Charge d'Affaires, Mr. Mohammad Aslam Khan in his welcome remarks, on the event, thanked Cultural Tourism DC and Mayor Adrian Fenti for their support in making the event a success. He underscored the need to have such programs in future and hoped that they will reflect the true and soft image of Pakistan.

The fashion show displayed traditional costumes from all regions of Pakistan, followed by the contemporary and modern costumes for men and women. Traditional jewelry from Pakistan was also showcased by the models.

The evening concluded with a musical performance by Abrar ul Haq. The concert went on for over two hours mesmerizing huge crowd by his popular songs.

The event was a mega success having reached out to different segments of the American society. Pakistani-American community also enthusiastically participated in the day-long festivities.

• Images of open “Embassy Open House"
• Images of Art works of renowned Pakistani artistes
• images of fashion show
• Images of Abrar ul Haq concert

Washington

May 18, 2008

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