New York: Soni Watan Gilgit-Baltistan New York – a representative organization of the Pakistani-American community from Pakistan’s northern region of Gilgit-Baltistan province hosted a grand cultural festival to showcase the region’s rich yet untapped culture, heritage, diversity, and tourism potential to the global community.
The festival held in Queens’s neighborhood featured the traditional dance of GB region and unique culture of Kalash Valley in Chitral District in northern Pakistan.
The event participants enjoyed the live performance by singer Saima Jahan, as the jubilant youths began dancing on the beat of drums and songs.
The organization also acknowledged the participation of guests with presenting those with awards. They also distributed certificates of appreciation to the community leaders in recognition of their outstanding performance towards community wellbeing.
The event began with the recitation of a few verses of Holy Quran.
A large number of people from Gilgit-Baltistan and the Pakistani-American community also participated in the cultural festival.
The ceremony was organized by Noor Pamiri, the leader of Soni Watan Gilgit-Baltistan. He introduced the guests. Welcomed the participants on their arrival and also gave a brief summary of the culture of Gilgit-Baltistan and Kalash.
On this occasion, Naseem Gilgiti, the Chairman of Soni Wantan Gilgit-Baltistan addressed the participants and said that whether they were young men or women of Gilgit-Baltistan, they always put the honor and dignity of Pakistan first and the name of their beloved nation everywhere in the world.
Consul General of Pakistan in New York, Aamir Ahmed Attozai, Gilgit-Baltistan Minister for Planning and Development Raja Nasir Ali took special part in the cultural festival.
Addressing the participants, Consul General Aamir Ahmed appreciated his community of Gilgit-Baltistan and its services to Pakistan and said that the community of Gilgit-Baltistan has always made Pakistan proud.
On this occasion, Gilgit-Baltistan Minister Raja Nasir Ali praised Naseem Gilgiti and his organization’s community services. He said that Naseem is playing the role of ambassador of Gilgit-Baltistan and Pakistan.
A short documentary film was also shown to the participants of the cultural festival to familiarize them with the beauty of Gilgit-Baltistan, tourist spots, culture and traditions.
The youth of the Kalashi tribe performed a wonderful cultural dance in their unique style.
The leader of Kalash community, Lakshan Bibi, who participated in the event, congratulated the organizers for the cultural festival. Addressing the participants, She said that the people of Gilgit-Baltistan and Kalash community are the positive face of Pakistan. This year, all of us will participate in the Pakistan Day Parade.
New York City Deputy Public Advocate Kashif Hussain also attended the event and represented Public Advocate Jumaani Williams.
Addressing the audience, he said that if one wishes to see heaven while living in this world, he must visit Gilgit-Baltistan at least once.
The organizers of the event dressed the Consul General and other dignitaries in the famous and traditional and cultural cap of Gilgit-Baltistan.
On this occasion, Kashif Hussain, chairman of Apna Community Center presented certificates of appreciation to Pervez Siddiqui the Chief Executive Officer, and Iram Hanif on behalf of Public Advocate Jumaani Williams. While other social and business personalities of the community were awarded certificates of appreciation by Assemblywoman Jennifer Rajkumar.
On this occasion, the youth of Gilgit-Baltistan made a grand display of their traditional and cultural dances, adding to the splendor of the event.
Yasmeen, a woman belonging to the GB community, presented a beautiful song expressing her love for Pakistan.
On this occasion, there was a session of quiz program based on mental test in which children answered various questions.
Various tour operators from Pakistan, Lakshan Bibi of Kalash community, Dr. Muzaffar Shah, American Pakistani Advocacy Group President Ali Rasheed, Saeed Hassan and others were presented with commemorative shields in recognition of their services.
Addressing the participants on this occasion, President of APAG Ali Rasheed said: “we stand with every community and organization that highlights the positive face of Pakistan.”
Dr. Hasan Dogar, who participated in the event said: “In my medical career, I have always seen the youth of Gilgit-Baltistan becoming the best medical students and doctors.”
Zameer Chaudhary and Saeed Hassan, political and social figures of the Pakistani community participating in the cultural festival, expressed their views after receiving the certificate of appreciation.
They said that there are many events in New York, among them, everyone is waiting for this festival of Gilgit-Baltistan community. They said Pakistan offers immense opportunities for tourism, while they termed Gilgit-Baltistan as mini Switzerland.
Apna Community Center CEO Irum Hanif and Executive Director Shazia Vatto were also present on this occasion.
Addressing the audience, they said that the way Naseem Gilgiti is promoting the culture of Gilgit-Baltistan is worthy of emulation.
On this occasion, the town supervisor presented a certificate of appreciation to Naseem Gilgiti, chairman of Soni Watan Gilgit-Baltistan, for his community services.
To make the evening of cultural festival more beautiful and memorable, famous singer Saima Jahan awakened the magic of her voice and mesmerized the audience.
