Daily Times

Pakistan Embassy organised a cultural event, flaunting the famous truck art of the country followed by a flag hoisting ceremony on March 23 to mark Pakistan Day in European capital.

A large number of guests including members of European Parliament, academics and journalists joined the event to have a glimpse of Pakistani culture and to enjoy the famous food of the region.

Pakistan’s Ambassador to Belgium, the European Union and Luxembourg Naghmana Alamgir Hashmi informed the guests about several aspects of rich cultural heritage that Pakistan possesses as well as the opportunities the key South Asian country offers for business and investment as an emerging economy. Ambassador Hashmi said that Pakistan was one of the fastest growing economies in the world and also offers a unique landscape comprising highest peaks like K2 for the adventurers and tourists alike.

Guests showed great interest in the Truck Art Exhibition by Anjum Rana. Introducing her initiative ‘Tribal Truck Art’ Anjum Rana said, “Pakistani Truck Art is a distinct, flamboyant folk art which is seen on trucks on the roads of Pakistan, it reflects the lives, ambitions, aspirations of the truck drivers and artists.”

A large number of guests including members of European Parliament, academics and journalists joined the event to have a glimpse of Pakistani culture and to enjoy the famous food of the region

She added, “My mission is to foster economic and cultural sustainability for truck art and truck artists worldwide and to create intercultural exchange opportunities that unite the people of the world”.

She has developed a new arena by her initiative which has made a distinct and positive impact on the lives of the truck artists and their families across the country. Anjum Rana was conferred the UNESCO Seal of Excellence Award in 2008 for her services in promoting art and culture of Pakistan.

Two Photographic exhibitions were also arranged highlighting the achievement of Pakistani women in various walks of life as well as the progress in economic and cultural spheres. Guests also showed keen interest in Urdu calligraphy as they thronged the desk of calligrapher Shakeel Haider to get their names or desired words written in Urdu.

A number of Pakistanis joined the Embassador Hashmir in Pakistan Embassy for the flag hoisting ceremony.

The messages of President and Prime Minister were read out by Economic Minister Omar Hameed and Deputy Head of Mission Asif Hussain Memon on the occasion while the ceremony was conducted by Head of Chancery Giyan Chand.

Published in Daily Times, March 27^th 2018.