Daily Times

The Potohar Organisation for Development Advocacy (PODA) organised the celebration of the International Day of World’s Indigenous People on Friday. The event was held at The Farm at Theatre Wallay’s space. It was a free event.

Classical dancer Asfandyar Khattak performed Pakistan’s indigenous dances at the occasion. Asfandyar Khattak performed the Khattak-waal Ataanr, while speakers gave presentations on the issue.

Khattak started learning classical dance Kathak in 2001 from Saima Khushnood. In 2007, he became the dance student of classical dance master Indu Mitha.

PODA is a woman’s rights non-governmental organisation registered under Voluntary Social Welfare Agencies Ordinance working for the promotion and protection of human rights in rural areas of Pakistan since 2003.

Khattak started learning classical dance Kathak in 2001 from Saima Khushnood. In 2007, he became the dance student of classical dance master Indu Mitha

The International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples is observed on August 9 each year to front up and protect the rights of the world’s indigenous population. This event also recognises the achievements and contributions that indigenous people make to improve world issues such as environmental protection.

It was first pronounced by the United Nations General Assembly in December 1994, marking the day of the first meeting of the UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations of the Sub-Commission on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights in 1982.