PR No.163 Islamabad: March 19, 2016

Pakistan will mark its National Day at the UN for the first time, with a concert in the prestigious General Assembly hall on 23rd March, says a press release received here today from New York.

Organized by the Pakistan Mission to the UN, the concert will feature Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan.

The concert, appropriately titled, Sufi Night: Music of Peace, is aimed at spreading the message of international peace and harmony at the world stage.

During an hour and a half long performance, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan will sing his popular tracks which already have worldwide familiarity.

The concert is expected to be attended by diplomats, UN officials, representatives of civil society, media and members of the Pakistani diaspora. The event has already generated much interest and enthusiasm. Posters of the concert have been displayed at different parts of the UN building.

Rahat Fateh Ali Khan is one of the world’s leading exponent of Sufi Music. His rendering of traditional Qawali by combining it with Western instruments has created a unique and appealing sound.

He has performed at various international venues including the Nobel Peace Prize Awards Ceremony in 2014.

Pakistan’s Ambassador to the UN, Dr Maleeha Lodhi said 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.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has repeatedly urged Pakistan envoys to actively engage in public diplomacy.

This event is the latest in the series of cultural projects undertaken by Pakistan Mission in the last one year since Dr. Maleeha Lohdi assumed charge as Ambassador to UN.

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