ISLAMABAD, Oct 23: A flag-hoisting ceremony at the UN House in the capital will mark the 56th UN Day on Wednesday.

With all the UN staff in Pakistan and members of the diplomatic corps in attendance, UN resident coordinator Onder Yucer will read the message of UN secretary general Kofi Annan while three Unmogip peacekeepers raise the UN flag. Foreign Minister Abdul Sattar will be the chief guest on the occasion.

Following its tradition of honouring a local community-service organization on the day, the UN system in Pakistan has selected the Society for Community Support for Primary Education in Balochistan for an award.

The society has contributed to a large increase in girl-enrolment at the primary level in Balochistan.

According to director of the United Nations’ Information Centre, Eric Falt, a rock concert will be held on October 24 in the General Assembly Hall in New York as part of the celebrations of the UN day. Organized by the United Nations Department of Public Information, the concert will include performances by the Pakistani band, Junoon, and the Indian Euphoria.

This year’s event is a part of the UN efforts to bring together the diverse people and cultures of the world.

Junoon is South Asia’s most popular rock band, having won the Channel V’s best international group title for the year 1998.

The band has been honoured by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) for its efforts towards peace in South Asia. The group leader, Salman Ahmad, is the UN spokesperson in the fight against HIV/AIDS in Pakistan.