By Rafiq Vayani
DUBAI: Shaan-E-Pakistan the huge and unique Pakistani platform for culture, food, music and fashion which aims to project the best that Pakistan has to offer beyond its borders, held its star-studded press conference at Zaoq restaurant, Dolman Mall, here earlier today. The event was well-attended by media, celebrities, socialites and corporates who graced the red carpet before the start of the conference.
The event was hosted by the charming Hira Hussain who invited the founder and creator of the prestigious platform, Shaan-e-Pakistan, Huma Nassr to introduce the event. She announced the details of the upcoming 5th Edition and said “After the overwhelming success of the previous editions that took place in New Delhi in 2015, Lahore in 2016, Karachi in 2018 and Lahore in 2019, this year Shaan-e-Pakistan aims to cross another milestone by holding their 5th Edition — PROMISING SHAAN-E-PAKISTAN, 3-DAY FESTIVAL, in Colombo, Sri Lanka from 21st till 23rd March, 2020.”
She added the objective of doing such festivals outside Pakistan is to give a platform to our country to show what it has to offer in terms of art, culture, music, food, fashion, property and trade. The three-day event will include exhibitions at Sri Lanka Exhibition and Convention Centre by both Pakistani and Sri Lankan corporates, women entrepreneurs, designers and artists. There will be a designer Lounge headed by Faiza Malik from Ensembles Dubai featuring Saniya Maskatiya, Fareeda Hasan, Armari and a lot more designers. There will be a Crafters Lounge headed by Anisa Yunus with some great crafts of Pakistan, Savy Lounge by Aamir Mazhar featuring statement jewellery and exclusive outfits by designers from Lahore, and South Asian Lounge depicting South Asian Ensembles.
Shaan-e-Pakistan Executive Producer and South African Business man Irfan Pardesi was also present at the press conference representing his Family Foundation, Zee Foundation, along with Saad Ahsan from Commonwealth Dominica, Saud Faisal from Pakistan Observer, Amir Iqbal (Poet-Lahore), and Faisal Mubeen from Malka Foods and Komal Rizvi, Pakistani Artist.
While a fashion show is scheduled for the 22nd, there will be a closing ceremony ‘Aik Shaam Pakistan Kay Naam’ on the 23rd, both at Barefoot. Salts Arts would be collaborating with Shaan-e-Pakistan as Music Curator Partners. The fashion show will not only feature local talent like Mushk who will also be hosting the Red Carpet, but also international models. Ali Xeeshan and Humayun Alamgir would also be sharing the stage. Komal Rizvi, one of the ambassadors of Shaan e Pakistan, will also be walking the ramp and singing for the audience. There will also be a cricketers’ meet and greet on the closing night.
For the entertainment of those present and to give an idea of what to expect in Sri Lanka, a sensational unplugged session by lead singer Wajih Farooqui of Raeth Band followed by Komal Rizvi and finally Safeer Jaffrey took place, after which the floor was open to questions and answers. High tea was then served.
The event would not be possible without the support of Zee Foundation and Saad Ahsan Immigration Law Firm, and Tranquility Beach Commonwealth Dominica who are the main promoters of the event. Hemani is the organic partner and Malka Foods is the food partner. HUM Network is the official media partner, while Hot FM103 is the radio partner. Print media partner is Pakistan Observer, which is also presenting a property and pharma pavilion.
Among the main partners from Sri Lanka supporting Shaan-e-Pakistan with gusto are aesthetic partner Jewel Gate, hospitality partner Galadari Colombo, venue partner Barefoot and SLECC, and logistics partner ASK, airline partner Sri Lankan Air and travel partner Reems Travel. Zaoq is the official restaurant partner in Karachi.
The PR of the event is being handled by Starlinks PR and Events.
