On 26th February 2023, Zaildar house led by Zaildar Ahsan Shah, Advisor International Relations, Pakistan Research Center for a Community with Shared Future in collaboration with the Dean of Diplomatic Corps and Dean of COSA arranged the “Orange festival 2023” in which diplomats and their families based at Islamabad participated.
The event was organized at Zaildar house located in the historical town of Taxila. The event was graced by diplomats from more than 60 countries and His Excellency Sadiq Sinjirani, Chairman of the Senate of Pakistan attended as Chief Guest.
During his welcoming speech, Mr. Zaildar Ahsan Shah thanked the dignitaries for their valuable presence at the Orange Festival. He explained the culture and history of Taxila. He stated that we are working with experts to declare Taxila as a “world heritage site”.
His Excellency Atadjan Movlamov, Ambassador of Turkmenistan & Dean of Diplomatic Corps thanked Zaildar Ahsan Shah and the people of Taxila for organising such a fantastic event and appreciated the hospitality of Pakistani people.
His Excellency Sadiq Sinjirani, Chairman of the Senate of Pakistan spoke about the rich culture of Pakistan. He said Pakistan is a friendly country and its people are peace-loving. He also said that Pakistan is a safe tourist destination and invited the Diplomatic Corps members to visit other historical sites across Pakistan.
The foreign diplomats were entertained with traditional “Horse Dancing” and Taxila’s famous game of “Rock Lifting”. The audience was also entertained by live Sufi music.
The event was a colourful display of Taxila’s most famous cultural/historical aspects and it was attended by 200 diplomats from more than 60 countries. Sumptuous lunch comprising with variety of Pakistani dishes was also served to the participants.
The event was also attended by notables and experts from Pakistan. Mr. Khalid Taimur Akram, ED, PRCCSF, Advocate Raja Muqsit Nawaz Khan, Legal Advisor, PRCCSF, Mr. Awais Ali Khokhar, CEO, House of Elaan, and Mr. Ubaid Ayub, Director, House of Elaan also participated in the event.