RAWALPINDI: Rawalpindi Arts Council (RAC) on Tuesday organised a Dastaangoi (story telling) programme in the Gandhara festival.

Commissioner Liaquat Ali Chatta was chief guest of the programme. Punjab Arts Council (PAC) Executive Director Mohammad Mehboob Alam and others were also present on the occasion.

On the third day of the festival, the Ambassador of Malaysia to Pakistan Mohammad Adam Tugio visited RAC. On this occasion, RAC Director Waqar Ahmed welcomed the Malaysian ambassador and informed him about the aims and objectives of the festival.

Malaysian Ambassador Mohammad Adam Tugio said that there were long-standing diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Malaysia.

“The civilisation of Gandhara connects the two countries in a strong relationship.

“The teachings of Buddhism have travelled a long distance to reach Malaysia. Punjab government, especially Punjab Arts Council’s initiative to highlight the culture of Gandhara is welcome,” he said.

In the near future, he said that the Malaysian Embassy will continue to play its role in presenting the culture of Gandhara to the world.

Speaking on the occasion, the commissioner said that the meaning of Gandhara is the land of fragrances. “Through these fairs, we will spread the fragrance of tolerance and tolerance in our country, which will stand out as a message of peace and love for humanity,” he said.

“The expected arrival of ambassadors from China, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Laos, Thailand, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia and Indonesia in this festival is proof that we have been extremely successful in this process. I am also happy to hear that the Punjab Arts Council has invited the embassies of various countries to set up stalls regarding the Gandhara culture,” he said, adding that the arrival of the Buddhist delegation from Sukkur shows how open-hearted and noble-minded we are as a nation.

Executive director of Punjab Arts Council (PAC) Mohammad Mehboob Alam said that the civilisation is a mirror of any country, nation or people and fairs are being organised to bring the culture of Cholistan to the people.

Fazal Jatt won the applause of the audience by narrating folk tales in his unique style. Stalls were established based on Gandhara art.

The festival will continue till Feb 4.

Published in Dawn, February 1st, 2023