Syed Mussarat Khalil

Saudi Gazette

JEDDAH — Consul General Pakistan Aftab Khokher and his wife hosted dinner on the occasion of Pakistan National Day Dinner on Monday.



A large number of consuls general and their spouses, representative of  the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, honorable guests from the Saudi and Pakistani community and media persons attended the function.



Ambassador Muhammad Ahmad Al-Tayyab, director general of Ministry of Foreign affairs Makkah region and permanent representative of Saudi Arabia to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) was the chief guest.



Muhammed Naeem Khan, assistant secretary general in the OIC for Science and Technology Affairs, also graced the occasion.



The proceedings started off with the recitation of few verses from the Holy Qur'an by Mohammed Asif followed by national anthems of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.



Khokher, in his opening remarks welcomed all the consuls general and guests.



He said: "We are honored and privileged by your presence here tonight...for joining us to mark the 75th National  Day of Islamic Republic of Pakistan. My wife Afshan Aftab Khokher, my colleagues and consulate staffs are grateful for your presence."



He added: "The 23rd March is the most important and land mark day in the history of  creation of Pakistan. This day symbolizes the struggles for freedom by Muslims of the subcontinent. This day signifies the journey toward the fulfillment of their right of self determination for which the people of Jammu and Kashmir are still trying hard."



He also acknowledged the contribution of the sponsors.



Al-Tayyab expressed his gratitude for celebrating together with Pakistani on their National Day.  He extended his warm greetings to the people of Pakistan and its leader.



"My special congratulations to those Pakistanis who lives among us here in Saudi Arabia and whom we are grateful for their contribution in the  progress and  development of Kingdom," he said.



He cut the cake with all consuls general and guests at the stage.



Children of Pakistan International School-English Section (PISJ-ES), dressed in colorful attires, presented folk dances and national songs, including the popular national song "Dill Na Lagay!"



An exhibition featuring Pakistani handicrafts, carpets, jewelries, calligraphic paintings and ladies dresses was also organized.



Specially invited artists from Pakistan Salman Adil on flute, Ustad Raees Khan, famous sitar player, on violin, Ustad Muhammad Ajmal Khan on tabla, Akbar Khamiso Khan on alghoza (son of Ustad Khamiso Khan), Gulab Khan on rabab, and Muhammad Khan on dholak staged a live musical program for the attendees' entertainment.



Sohaib Khalid and Esra Faisal of PISJ-ES were the masters of the ceremony.