KARACHI, April 6: Pakistan is holding first mega Lifestyle exhibition and cultural programme in Delhi which is going to be inaugurated on April 12 in the presence of the commerce ministers of the two countries.

The event is going to be a step forward towards further normalisation of trade relations between the two countries and provide an opportunity to Pakistan to display its soft image to Indians at large.

The Lifestyle Pakistan is an initiative of the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) and is a reciprocal to Indian exhibition held a couple of months back in Lahore.

Over 100 top companies, including brands, fashion designers and celebrities, are going to attend the mega event being held from April 12 to 15.

Apart from exhibiting categories of fashion apparel, home textiles, furniture, leather goods, home accessories, spices and marble handicrafts, the four-day exhibition will also provide visitors an opportunity to savour the authentic Pakistani cuisine at the food court that is Food Extravaganza.

This was stated by the TDAP chief executive Tariq Puri while briefing the newsmen about the forthcoming Lifestyle Pakistan.

He disclosed that Indian Commerce Minister Anand Sharma on the inaugural day will host a dinner in honour of visiting business delegation and it would be followed by cultural and musical programme.

Mr Puri said that Pakistani Commerce Minister Makhdoom Amin Fahim will reciprocate and host a dinner next day (April 13) to top Indian businessmen.

He further disclosed that top of the line Pakistani brands and fashion designers are participating in the mega event and hoped that they will fetch huge business orders and also earn through spot sales.

There will banking facility within the premises for transfer of funds to Pakistan, he added.

A 32-member rice delegation is also accompanying Pakistani business team which will explore possibilities of getting technology from India for value-addition of rice, such as steaming