Presenting Pakistani culture and traditions through an exhibition enthralled the audience. However, the real aim of the event was to highlight various aspects of the Pakistani culture to tweak the myopic perspective that the world, at large, still carries about Pakistan.
The organisers of the event chose to connect with the art. For there is no language, race or religion that can be connected without the art. There is deep heritage and culture that resides within the art form, which has become a signature Pakistani identity. Through its funky and vibrant presence, the Pakistani art has evolved a peculiar identity amongst expatriates here and in the Western world.
The organisers chose Pakistani truck art to exhibit in the event. The art concept has now come to life by being painted onto handbags, shoes, table-ware, decorative items and even doors and gates of houses. The unique art form is finally being given the recognition and admiration for the brightness it brings to the country. The attendees witnessed the distinctive pieces of art and purchased some of the pieces after being compelled by the artistry.
After summarising the programme for the morning session, Samina Latif, chief organiser of the event, invited Shehar Bano Rizvi, a local Pakistani blogger, photographer, and explorer of Pakistan, to deliver a visual presentation on Pakistan.
Shehar Bano presented ‘Pakistan — the land of Diversity’ with subtlety. She showed the mosques, churches, temples and gurdwaras co-existing in close proximity, displaying diversity of culture, heritage and religion. She also demonstrated the diversity of the landscape. Pakistan is one of the very few countries blessed with mountains, rivers, deserts, forests and beautiful beaches.
Maryam Shahid, a Doha-based fashion designer, make-up artist and hair-dresser, organised a fashion show to exhibit Pakistani traditional attires along with Western fusion, representing various regions of Pakistan.
A group of ladies from the Pakistani community came together to perform a traditional Pakistani dance, which was thoroughly enjoyed by the audience. The group came alive when the attendees joined the ladies on the dance floor.
Any Pakistani social gathering is incomplete without food. The organisers invited talented culinary specialists to share their expertise and recipes with the audience. Anam, who caters for parties and private gatherings, demonstrated a samosa recipe. Amna Siddique, a skilled baker, shared a Pakistani cookie (Naan Khatai) recipe. The audience were then asked to taste the food prepared by the specialists.
A huge selection of Pakistani food was served. Some Pakistani restaurants came forward and sponsored the food so that all attendees could get a taste of the cuisine. The organisers expressed their thanks to Biryani Express, which provided delicious biryani and chaat (a tangy chickpea dish) as well as their excellent service during the event. The guests also enjoyed the fresh naan (thick bread cake) and the chicken karahi (chicken gravy) provided by the Spice and Sizzle restaurant situated at Salwa Road. Each attendee was supplied a goody bag consisting of Pakistani sweets, samosas and cookies by the courtesy of Soghaat Sweets and Bakers.
There was a display of Pakistani handicraft and souvenirs by the local vendors namely, Oriental Carpets, Today’s Fashion and Zehra’s handicraft. Zehra showcased a wide selection of Truck Art items. The attendees enjoyed the shopping experience of Pakistani artefacts.
As part of ILPG tradition, the event was concluded with the members wining prizes, generously provided by members of the Pakistani community and the businesses namely, Oriental Carpets, Today’s Fashion, Zehra’s handicrafts, Habib’s Hair and Beauty and Amwaj Jewellers. The organisers also thanked the regular sponsors namely, Swasdee Thai spa, Swasdee Thai Restuarent, Oryx Rotana and Salam Stores.
It was heart-warming to see the Pakistani community come together to showcase Pakistani culture and tradition in order to instil a brighter image, based on facts.
