TAXILA: Islamabad-based diplomats and their families visited Zaildar House in Taxila on Sunday to immense themselves with the rich and diverse culture of Pakistan, especially traditional food, ancient black stone carving art, horse dance and the local sports of stone lifting.

Social figures Zaildar Ahsan Shah and Zaildar Zaheer Shah have been hosting the Orange Festival for foreign diplomats for the last 12 years to facilitate their visit to Taxila - the ancient city of Gandhara and Buddhist civilizations.

The dance of horses on drumbeats and the traditional sports of stone lifting and the world famous citrus Khanpuri oranges were the centre of attraction among the diplomats and their families, especially children.

The diplomats belonging to different countries took keen interest in Pakistan’s traditional culture, music, local crafts and delicious cuisine, especially Pan and Gol Gappay.

Acting Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Ambassador of Yemen Mohammad Motahar Alashabi, Dean of Corps of Service Attaches (COSA) Brig General Abu Rubel Shahabuddin and Adviser to Prime Minister on Legal Affairs Barrister Aqeel Malik were present on the occasion while Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider was the chief guest.

In his welcoming address, Zaildar Ahsan Shah said Taxila was the centre of the ancient Gandhara civilization and even today tourists from all over the world visit it. Especially, history students come here to research and study the bygone

civilization.

“This city, located at the crossroads of many great civilizations is a holy land for the followers of Buddhism. There are over 30 sacred historical sites located in the area and efforts are being made to declare Taxila as a World Heritage City”.

The dean of COSA said that the orange festival provides a window to the diverse cultural heritage and showcase the real Pakistan to the world. He expressed his gratitude to Zaildar House for organising such activities for the diplomatic community.

The acting dean of the diplomatic corps and ambassador of Yemen termed Pakistan a hub of rich cultural heritage with devised landscapes and scenes. He said Pakistan has much to offer to tourists with its unique culture and such events would play a pivotal role in better understanding about the country and its people. He said activities like the orange festival are an excellent way to bring the diplomatic community closer to the culture, history and people of Pakistan

The Punjab governor appreciated the efforts of the organisers for holding the festival continuously for 12 consecutive years and said they were celebrating a day where all aspects of Pakistan’s culture were present including local sports.

He said the orange festival has also become popular among the diplomatic community. He said that such events are a great way to introduce the diplomatic community to Pakistan’s people, culture and whistory.

He said the presence of a large number of foreign ambassadors along with their families will not only show the positive face of Pakistan to the world but will also improve tourism. He said he has invited Dutch and German hockey teams to Governor House and told them that Pakistan was a peaceful country.

“I ask them to visit the streets of Lahore and they would welcome them with open hearts.”

Published in Dawn, February 17th, 2025