Cultural diplomacy: PNCA troupe returns from China

ISLAMABAD: A 32-member cultural troupe led by Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) Director General Jamal Shah returned from a tour of China on Monday.

The troupe comprised folk singers, dancers and musicians specialising in traditional music and l instrumentalists from all parts of the country. The troupe performed at four different places in the Xinjiang region of China. The troupe artistes included sitar player Aamir Hussain, tabla player Muhammad Ajmal, flautist Salman Adil, rabab player Ghulab Khel, violinist Ustad Raees Ahmed, and Kathak dancer Adnan Jehangir.

Folk artists from the National Performing Arts Group (NPAG) of Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi performed various dances including Kailash Valley dance, Leva, Kashmiri, classical, Kathak, Sindhi Jhoomar, Khattak, Bhangra, dhol and Aajrang Hae of Ameer Khusro.

Each performance reflected various local traditions, customs and the vibrant dresses and jewelry of Pakistan.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 1^st, 2017.