Muscat: Ali Javed, Ambassador of Pakistan to the Sultanate, hosted a reception to mark ‘Pakistan Day’ with Abdullah bin Muhammad bin Abdullah Al Salmi and Shaikh Khalid bin Omer bin Said Al Marhoon, Ministers for Awqaf & Religious Affairs and Civil Service, respectively, gracing the occasion as chief guest and guest of honour.
Majid bin Saed bin Salim Al Rawahi and Mahfouz bin Humood bin Hamad Al Wahaibi, representing the Upper House and Muhammad bin Salim bin Khaleefa Al Busaidi and Salim bin Nasir bin Saed Al Kahali representing the Lower House were also present.
Sheikh Hilal bin Marhoon AlMaamari, Nasir bin Muhammad bin Khaleefa Al Busaidi, and Ahmad bin Khamis Al Jamri, Chief West Asia, Chief Protocol, and Chief ME Division, respectively, represented the Foreign Ministry, whereas Brigadier General Saad bin Juma’ bin Muhammad Al-Farsi (army), Commodore Marhoon bin Mansoor bin Marhoon Al Riyami (navy) represented the armed forces, in addition to diplomatic corps, Pakistani, Omani civil societies, businessmen, public and private media.
Flavours of Pakistan
The event was held at Crowne Plaza, with live BBQ grills showcasing the world renowned flavors of Pakistan. Pakistani mandarin, which has won a special place among the people of Oman, was on display and served freshly squeezed, to the 300 guests.
Earlier, a reception to mark “Pakistan Day onboard Pakistan Navy Ship “ALAMGIR”, was held in Salalah, 1,100km from Muscat, on March 21. Captain Nasir bin Saif Al Shabibi, Chief of Salalah Navy Unit, represented Oman at the event as the chief guest.
Pakistan embassy, Pakistani institutions and Pakistanis residing across Oman celebrated “Pakistan Day” with traditional zeal and fervor.
Taking the lead on March 16 were Pakistani engineers from Petroleum Development Oman and their families, who hosted a “Pakistan Day” Spring Festival attended by 2,000 persons, boosted with electrifying performances by children from Pakistan School Seeb, presenting the cultural heritage of the provinces and Oman.
To add further diversity to the celebrations, the Omani Society of Fine Arts in collaboration with Pakistani volunteers willl be showcasing an exhibition of 20 Pakistani artists, including contemporary and miniature paintings, from April 2-12.
The seven branches of the Pakistan School System, Beaconhouse School and City School, Pakistani institutions such as Pakistan Social Club, PIA, HBL, Air Blue and Shaheen Air organised individual events. A special supplement, with support from the Pakistani and Omani business community was carried by leading newspapers.
There are 272,000 Pakistanis residing in Oman. The month-long celebrations across the Sultanate reflect the immense contributions to promoting Pakistan and furthering the friendship with Oman.