Seoul, March 31 – Culture and religion play a profound role in shaping individual identities. For people living away from their homeland, these connections become even more significant, offering comfort and community in foreign lands. This year, a beautiful celebration of these values came alive in South Korea through a colorful cultural event organized on Monday, March 31.
The Pakistan Business Association Korea (PBA), in collaboration with the Embassy of Pakistan in South Korea, hosted a grand Pakistani Cultural Show and Eid Milan Party for the Pakistani community residing in Korea. The event saw participation from various student and scholar groups, as well as religious and political organizations.
The program commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran by young Muhammad Shamir, followed by a soulful Naat Sharif presented by Mardan Ali Qadri. The national anthems of Pakistan and South Korea were then played with great enthusiasm, with twenty children standing proudly on stage to honor both nations.
Distinguished Guests in Attendance
The event was graced by several dignitaries, including Acting Pakistani Ambassador to Korea Dr. Ali Waqas, Military Attaché Lieutenant Colonel Muhammad Asif, Community Counsellor Abdul Hadi Janjua, and Commercial Counsellor Farid Hassan Sukheera. Korean special guests included Chairman of IIDA Mr. Moon Young and STS Robotics CEO Mr. Kim Khiwan.
From the organizing side, PBA Korea Chairman Mudassir Ali Cheema, Preside
nt Jahanzeb Khan, and General Secretary Mian Sagheer Ahmed were present, alongside PSAK President Umair Latif and former Chairman of Pakistani Community Korea Shafiq Khan.
A Celebration of Culture and Unity
In his welcome speech, PBA President Jahanzeb Khan expressed heartfelt emotions about organizing such a meaningful event for the first time in Korea. “Today, seeing children in traditional Pakistani attire, girls with henna on their hands and bangles on their wrists, my eyes welled up with joy. This is a small effort to bring the real essence of Eid to our community here,” he shared.
Korean guests Mr. Moon Young and Mr. Kim Khiwan, dressed in traditional Korean attire (Hanbok), received a warm round of applause as they addressed the audience. A special documentary on Pakistan, prepared by PBA, was also sc
reened to showcase the country’s beauty and culture to Korean guests and the younger generation.
Entertainment and Engagement for All
To entertain the children, a delightful magic show was arranged, w
hich captivated the audience. The Pakistan Students and Scholars Association showcased regional costumes of Pakistan, with students proudly walking the stage in traditional outfits. The Korean Ross Band mesmerized the crowd with a Sufi dance performance, applauded enthusiastically by the audience.
The second half of the program featured interactive stage games for children and women, organized by Dr. Mian Sabir Hussain. Activities included ring games, bag races, paint races, spoon-and-egg races, puzzles, and more. Even toddl
ers aged 3 to 4 were encouraged to
participate, adding charm and laughter to the event.
Stalls, Food, and Family Fun
The event included a variety of food and activity stalls, featuring delicious Pakistani cuisine, henna and bangles stalls, a coffee and tea corner, and a photo booth decorated with a stunning backdrop of Lahore’s Royal Mosque and Seoul’s Royal Palace—perfect for memorable photos.
A number of dedicated individuals worked tirelessly behind the scenes. Special thanks go to Mrs. Anwar Kim for managing the henna and bangles stall, Zahid Hussain and the PSAK team (especially Ms. Nimra) for banner and flex design, and Mrs. Mian Sagheer Ahmed, Mrs. Muhammad Shakeel, and Mrs. Israrne for organizing and packing hundreds of toys and prizes for children. Mrs.
Amina Asghar Bangi played a pivotal role in mobilizing participation.
The stage hosting was skillfully conducted by Zahid Hussain, Miss Annie, and General Secretary PBA Mian Sagheer Ahmed. The culinary delights were prepared and served gracefully by Rahim Shah Sahib and his team.
A Heartfelt Conclusion
The event concluded with heartfelt thanks from Chairman Mudassir Ali Cheema, President Jahanzeb Khan, and General Secretary Mian Sagheer Ahmed, who expressed their gratitude to all attendees and volunteers. The program ended on a high note with the spirited slogan: “Pakistan Zindabad!”
