TAXILA: Islamabad-based diplomats and their families visited Zaildar House in Taxila on
Sunday to immense themselves with the rich and diverse culture of Pakistan, especially
traditional food, ancient black stone carving art, horse dance and the local sports of stone
lifting.
Social figures Zaildar Ahsan Shah and Zaildar Zaheer Shah have been hosting the Orange
Festival for foreign diplomats for the last 12 years to facilitate their visit to Taxila – the
ancient
city of Gandhara and Buddhist civilizations.
The dance of horses on drumbeats and the traditional sports of stone lifting and the world
famous citrus Khanpuri oranges were the centre of attraction among the diplomats and their
families, especially children.
The diplomats belonging to different countries took keen interest in Pakistan’s traditional
culture, music, local crafts and delicious cuisine, especially Pan and Gol Gappay.
Various stalls were arranged to exhibit artifacts of Gandhara art, featuring finely crafted
jewelry and pottery made from marble and stone. Participants expressed admiration for the
exquisite items displayed on the stalls. Additionally, stalls set up by the Pakistan Romanian
Friendship Association were organized to offer shirts featuring Romanian prints as gifts.
Acting Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Ambassador of Yemen Mohammad Motahar
Alashabi, Dean of Corps of Service Attaches (COSA) Brig General Abu Rubel Shahabuddin
and Adviser to Prime Minister on Legal Affairs Barrister Aqeel Malik, Mr Touqeer Shah, MNA
Farah Naz were present on the occasion while Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider was the
chief guest.
In his welcoming address, Mr. Zaildar Ahsan Shah warmly welcomed the Chief guest and 200
foreigner diplomats from more than 70 countries. Mr. Zaildar Ahsan Shah said Taxila was the
centre of the ancient Gandhara civilization and even today tourists from all over the world visit
it. Especially, history students come here to research and study the bygone civilization.
Furthermore, he emphasized that the primary objective of the Orange Festival is to bring
together diplomatic families at Zaildar House, fostering a sense of respect and affection for
these families while introducing them to Pakistan’s rich traditions and culture. The Orange
Festival serves as a gateway to the diverse cultural heritage, presenting a genuine and positive
image of Pakistan to the global community. He stated that Pakistan values its friendly nations
and will work together towards the country’s growth, expressing hope that these efforts will
help Pakistan thrive.
“Taxila, located at the crossroads of many great civilizations is a holy land for the followers of
Buddhism. There are over 30 sacred historical sites located in the area and efforts are being
made to declare Taxila as a World Heritage City”.
The dean of COSA said that the orange festival provides a window to the diverse cultural
heritage and showcase the real Pakistan to the world. He expressed his gratitude to Zaildar
House for organising such activities for the diplomatic community.
The acting dean of the diplomatic corps and ambassador of Yemen termed Pakistan a hub of
rich cultural heritage with devised landscapes and scenes. He said Pakistan has much to offer
to tourists with its unique culture and such events would play a pivotal role in better
understanding about the country and its people. He said activities like the orange festival are
an excellent way to bring the diplomatic community closer to the culture, history and people
of Pakistan
The Punjab governor appreciated the efforts of the organisers for holding the festival
continuously for 12 consecutive years and said they were celebrating a day where all aspects
of Pakistan’s culture were present including local sports.
He said the orange festival has also become popular among the diplomatic community. He said
that such events are a great way to introduce the diplomatic community to Pakistan’s people,
culture and history.
He said the presence of a large number of foreign ambassadors along with their families will
not only show the positive face of Pakistan to the world but will also improve tourism. He said
he has invited Dutch and German hockey teams to Governor House and told them that Pakistan
was a peaceful country.
To conclude the event, guests gathered in the patio and foyer area, where an extravagant spread
was prepared. The food display was exceptional, featuring a wide range of Pakistani dishes
such as Chicken Tikka, Malai Boti, Rice, and Qourma. For dessert, Kheer and Carrot Halwa
were served in an elegant presentation.
