Pakistan pavilion showcases culture, traditional products

The Pakistani pavilion at the Global Village showcases a variety of cultural events in addition to an exhibition of traditional products and artefacts that demonstrate unique craftsmanship.

Visitors to the pavilion do not only enjoy a good display of Pakistan's culture, heritage and traditions, they also have the opportunity to buy traditional products, especially brought in from Pakistan for the Dubai Shopping Festival.

"The Pakistani pavilion at the Global Village is a centre of cultural, heritage and folkloric activities," said Essamuddin Orakzai, deputy chairman of Pakistan's cultural committee for the festival.

Having seen the popularity of Pakistani folklore activities last year, Orakzai said, they had set up a separate stage at the pavilion with greater seating capacity. "We are organising daily music shows, popular in different parts of the country," he said, adding that shows were being presented by local Pakistani artists and everyday a different show with a different theme was being presented.

He said that a mega musical show would be held at the Global Village amphitheatre on March 23 as part of the Pakistan Day celebrations. "Famous television and film artists will be flown in from Pakistan to perform at the show which will be televised by Pakistan Television," he added.

Every Thursday night, singers and musicians from each of the four provinces of Pakistan will present traditional folk music from their respective areas, giving a unique opportunity to Pakistani expatriates and people from other communities to listen to a variety of traditional folk songs and music.

"It is a unique opportunity for people to view and buy traditional Pakistani products, including handicrafts," he said, adding that the four restaurants in front of the Pakistani pavilion were popular places as they offered traditional Pakistani cuisine.

Amnullah Larik, chairman of Pakistan's Festival Committee and Pakistani consul general in Dubai, said that around 54 stalls at the pavilion featured special products from Pakistan, including traditional furniture items, onyx and marble products, handicrafts, leather products, gold and silver jewellery, precious gems, garments, stuffed toys, spices, bangles, embroidered items, henna and children's products..

"Pakistani traditional food was popular last year. More special food items famous in different parts of the country are being served at the restaurants which have also been decorated in traditional style this year," he said.

The concept of the Pakistani pavilion has been derived from typical Islamic monuments. The pavilion's facade, which is near completion, reflects the architectural beauty of Islamic culture. It is a replica of the Islamia College in Peshawar which is more than 100 years old.

He said the Ladies Wing of the Pakistan Association in Dubai will put on a special performance on ladies' days. In addition, there will be performances by Pakistani schoolchildren. All performances will focus on the 'One World, One Family, One Festival' theme of Dubai Shopping Festival 2001.