By Grace Jiu
His Royal Highness Prince Hj Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office and HRH Paduka Seri Pg Anak Isteri Pg Anak Sarah graced the Pakistan Charity Dinner and Cultural Night Sunday night at the International Convention Centre, Berakas.
Also present at the event was HRH Prince 'Abdul Malik.
The event, an initiative by the National Council of Arts of Pakistan's Ministry of Culture with support from Brunei's Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, was aimed at raising money for a fund set up by the Government of His Majesty to help victims of the recent Pakistan earthquake.
Upon arrival, the Crown Prince was greeted by Deputy Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Dato Awg Hj Yakub bin Abu Bakar and Pakistani High Commissioner in the country Major General (rtd) Syed Haidar Jawed.
The charity dinner was also attended by top government officials, foreign envoys and public members.
The Pakistani high commissioner, in his opening speech, said 10,000 houses and 60 hospitals are hoped to be constructed before the upcoming winter season in Pakistan, adding that the construction work, expected to take three years to complete and cost US$6 billion, will provide homes for some three million Pakistanis who have been affected by the earthquake.
Meanwhile, on hand to provide entertainment for Sunday's event was a cultural troupe formed under a special directive of Pakistan President General Pervez Musharraf.
The 30-member troupe depicted the diversity of Pakistan's rich cultural heritage and ancient civilisations through dances, such as the Mohenjodaro, Cholistan, and Snake Charmer, which were backed up by dramatic music.
The highlight of the night was Pakistani superstar Hadiqa Kiani, who belted out a series of enchanting songs to woo the crowd.
Prior to the performances, there was a video presentation of Pakistani history, landscapes and prime attractions.
- Borneo Bulletin
(30th May 2006)
