NEW YORK: It was an event to remember held at the United Nations on Wednesday to celebrate the Pakistan Day.

Leading singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan performed for almost two hours at the ‘Sufi Night Music Of Peace’ concert aimed at spreading the message of peace and harmony on the world stage.

Diplomats, UN officials and members of the Pakistani diaspora were enthralled by the Qawali rendered by one of the masters of the craft at the two-hour event organised by the Pakistan Mission to the UN.

Rahat has performed at various international venues, including the Nobel Peace Prize awards ceremony in 2014.

Pakistan’s Ambassador to UN Maleeha Lodhi told the audience at the General Assembly hall, “the concert is an effort to project Pakistan’s soft image and present the country’s rich culture. Public diplomacy is the most effective way to win hearts and minds and this aims to do just that.”

Rahat sang popular tracks such as ‘Allahoo’, ‘Dam Mast Qalandar’ and ‘Sasoon Ki Mala’.

Published in Dawn, March 25th, 2016