Pak Embassy celebrates 70 years of US friendship

WASHINGTON: Pakistan’s embassy here celebrated 70 years of friendship with the United States with a Sufi musical concert, enthralling American and international audience.

The concert organised in collaboration with 'The Embassy Series' saw a captivating performance by Ustad Dilshad Hussain Khan, an international violinist, composer and musicologist who masterfully played local instruments, interspersed with recitation of Sufi poetry.

Exchange students and professionals from 16 countries who are in the US to participate in Hubert H Humphrey Fellowship were special guests on the occasion.  In his address on the occasion, Pakistan’s Ambassador Aizaz Chaudhry said the history of Pakistani music goes back to ancient times. The early form of some of Pakistani stringed musical instruments were unearthed in their rudimentary form from excavations in Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa. Pakistani musicians, like Ustad Dilshad, continue to inspire and entertain people with their talent and finesse.

Ambassador Chaudhry highlighted the importance of fostering linkages and friendship through the language of music, poetry, and other genres of art.

The Ambassador thanked Jerome Barry and his team for their support in engaging Ustad Dilshad to perform at the Embassy.  The event was also attended by more than two hundred people including Pakistani-Americans, officials of various US government departments and American public.