Social, cultural and religious events are extremely important to protect and promote the identity of the people, community and the country. The environment and system in Canada provides best opportunities to all to express themselves in the manner they desire. This helps in better understanding of the communities and infusion of the spirit to live and work together with respect and tolerance. The result is richness of the society. This is the secret of Canada’s good image.

Qazi Bashiruddin, a renowned religious and social personality of the community, based in Hamilton, is vigorously active in promoting his message and work. He is busy in serving the people despite his very old age and feebleness. He needs to be encouraged and supported.

Alhamra Cultural Complex looked surreal amidst decorative lights, as performances varying from enthralling Uzbek dances to hilarious slapstick performances by the Wall Street Theatre, Indian theatre and Ajoka’s theatre heightened activity at the Rafi Peer World Performing Arts Festival on Monday night.

The Uzbek camp in particular was jam-packed with spectators who were completely enthralled by the dance performances. The Uzbek dance titled ‘Sonata’ was the most attractive feature of the festival. The performers, clad in stunning vibrant dresses, had the crowds up on their feet as they executed impressive dance sequences. The audience enthusiastically cheered the dance titled ‘Africa’ and was full of praise for the young performers. The other dance themes ‘Youth of Uzbekistan’, ‘Temple of love’, and ‘ Slow Waltz’ were unique in style and received the same praise from the audience as ‘Africa’ had received.

A Pakistani cultural troupe is slated to present a play in Jammu and Kashmir next week on Baba Bulleh Shah, a 17th century Sufi saint who was revered by both Hindus and Muslims in his time.

The troupe of 20 artistes, comprising qawwals and actors of the Pakistani group Ajok, will give a performance in Jammu on Jan 27 and 28.

Jammu is preparing in a big way to receive the artistes with theatres fully booked.

The group, which has won acclaim for its play “Ek Thee Nani”, is led by two well known Pakistani artistes, Maliha Gauhar and Shahid Nadeem.

The second smallest continent of the world, Europe plays host to people belonging to different cultures, speaking different languages and espousing different religious ideas. By embracing such religious and cultural diversity, Europe negates the theory of clash of civilizations.

These observations were made by the chairman of the Pakistan Institute of International Affairs, Fateyab Ali Khan, at the opening of the first European documentary festival on Friday evening. The festival is organized by the Royal Netherlands Embassy in collaboration with the Pakistan Institute of International Affairs, Karafilm Society and Alliance Francaise.

This film festival is a chance to let people know what film-making in Pakistan really has to offer and by bringing feature films, documentaries and shorts to the UK it will offer a unique opportunity to savour the experience of a socially-engaged documentary/art-film sector as well as the entertaining and cultish world of commercial cinema in Pakistan. Based in Lahore, the latter is known affectionately and somewhat ironically as, ‘Lollywood’!!

‘Pehlee Dharkan’ translates as ‘First Heartbeat’ and this is exactly what Heer Productions has provided via the Pakistani Film, Media and Arts Festival, which will take place from 13th – 25th September.

Glasgow will play host to the UK’s first Pakistani film, media and arts festival next month which will attempt to bring cutting edge films and art exhibitions under one roof.

Titled Pehlee Dharkan (first heartbeat), the film festival intends to inform audiences and the wider community on what film-making in Pakistan really has to offer.

Organizers say it will allow them to savor the experience of a socially-engaged documentary/art-film sector, as well as the entertaining and cultish world of commercial cinema in Pakistan. It will take place from 13th to 25th September.