TAXILA: Over 60 ambassadors, high commissioners and attachés attended the traditional orange festival in Taxila on Sunday.

The event is hosted by the Zaildar family and includes folk songs, cultural shows, horse dances and traditional sports such as stone lifting.

Speaking at the event, deputy dean of the Diplomatic Corps and the Ambassador of Tajikistan, Jononov Sherali, said Pakistan is heading towards peace and prosperity.

Asked about how to remove the negative image of Pakistan, Mr Sherali said Pakistan is like a diamond and presents different colours when looked at from various angles.

Those who keep seeing a negative picture are only looking at it from one angle, he said.

Developments in various sectors, including in agriculture and industries, is making Pakistan an emerging power among developing countries.

He appreciated Pakistan’s role in facilitating the reconciliation process in Afghanistan and lauded Operation Zarb-i-Azb.

The Tajik envoy said his country wants to enhance trade and investment relations with Pakistan and that the geographical proximity of both countries provides them with an opportunity to cooperate in many areas. He urged the Pakistani business community to invest in Tajikistan.

Speaking to media, Chinese Defence Attaché Maj Gen Chen Wenrong said the China Pakistan Economic Corridor is a lifeline project for the economies of China and Pakistan and that after the project, the Karakoram Highway will be the second hallmark of friendship between the two countries.

He added that Beijing will utilise all its resources to complete the project on time.

Ambassador of Yemen Mohammad Motahar Alashabi said Pakistan is an important country for the Arab world, including Yemen and that his country was importing rice and textiles from Pakistan.

He said Pakistan has good potential for enhancing its export services including medical and engineering services in Yemen.

One of the organisers of the event and a member of the Zaildar family, Syed Ahsan Shah said Taxila is the custodian of the centuries-old Gandhara civilisation and is therefore rich in history and culture.

He said Pakistan is a peaceful country and its diverse culture and hospitality is showcased through events such as the orange festival.

Published in Dawn, February 19th, 2018