Daily Times

For thousands of years, numerous civilisations have had the distinction of introducing their cultural culinary skills to various regions across the world.

Inter-civilisation bond established through food is in a league of its own since the olden days when foreign delegations were hosted by kings, emperors and their courtiers for forging people to people contact and exchanging cultural influences.

In the modern era, such traditions have further cemented through globalisation, which plays a key role in fomenting stronger inter-state ties. More importantly, cultural and public diplomacy has remained pivotal in projecting soft power in a robust manner. One such step was taken by Pakistan’s Permanent Mission to the UN headed by Ambassador Maleeha Lodhi last month when it hosted a joint event with its Swiss counterpart headed by Ambassador Jürg Lauber for launching a culinary book titled Dining along the Indus at the UN Headquarters.

The launch event marked 70 years of diplomatic ties between the two countries who have had close economic and scientific ties since then.

The event was attended by a large number of diplomats residing in New York City who were mesmerised by the book’s culinary contents and were gifted its copies.

Commissioned by Ambassador Lodhi and published by Nestlé Pakistan, the 149 pages book features distinct recipes spanning across the region which highlight the diversity of Pakistani cuisine for which Hashoo Group’s contributions were immense in providing steps to prepare them. From mouth-watering regional dishes such as Sindhi biryani, nihari, sarson ka saag and haleem to desserts and drinks like Gulab Jamun, Kheer and Meethi Lassi; the book’s unique culinary content specialises in promoting local cuisine to an expanded audience.

What keeps it truly outstanding is the handpicked selection of pictures which promote Pakistan as a tourist destination for international travellers. Not only this, the eloquently written descriptions by Tanya Mirza Ashraf keeps culinary and travel enthusiasts captivated

What keeps it truly outstanding is the handpicked selection of pictures which promote Pakistan as a tourist destination for international travellers. Not only this, the eloquently written descriptions by Tanya Mirza Ashraf keeps culinary and travel enthusiasts captivated.

While the country had reeled from security issues for over a decade, recent times have remained relatively peaceful owing to key steps taken by the government. The timing of the book’s launch is a blessing in disguise since several countries such as Portugal had downgraded their travel advisories in line with concrete measures taken by Islamabad.

Addressing the event, Ambassador Lodhi’s remarks on cultural influence were resonating in which she stated, ‘This book provides a ‘taste’ of the Pakistani culinary experience and we hope this event will also do that. But in addition to the food and the recipes featured, this book is also a celebration of the splendour of Pakistan, with colourful pictures depicting a country which is modern but with ancient roots and a rich cultural heritage.’

UN General Assembly’s President Maria Fernanda Espinosa Gracias, the event’s chief guest, aptly stated that the act of breaking bread with family, friend and strangers is one that resonates in the societies throughout the world. She further added, ‘By cooking and eating together, we can explore our common history and humanity, and develop greater understanding of our shared aspirations to combat hunger and promote food security’

Such views signified the importance of public engagement to foster deeper ties. Soft power is the manifestation of a state’s regional and global importance for which diplomats and diasporas role is expanding exponentially in an ever-changing world. This culinary book is a reflection of how communities can have deeper impact in promoting cultural influences through the love of food and heritage.

Pakistan’s effort in projecting its soft power is evidently crucial and its UN-New York mission under Ambassador Lodhi’s guidance has been notably instrumental. It was truly an honour to review this fine piece of culinary arts.

The writer is a journalist specialising in foreign policy and national security affairs. He Tweets at @mhassankhan06 and can be reached at hassankhan440@gmail.com