TAXILA: Islamabad-based diplomats and their families visited Zaildar House in Taxila on Sunday to immense themselves with the rich and diverse culture of Pakistan, especially traditional food, ancient black stone carving art, horse dance and the local sports of stone lifting.

Social figures Zaildar Ahsan Shah and Zaildar Zaheer Shah have been hosting the Orange Festival for foreign diplomats for the last 12 years to facilitate their visit to Taxila the ancient city of Gandhara and Buddhist civilizations.

The dance of horses on drumbeats and the traditional sports of stone lifting and the world famous citrus Khanpuri oranges were the centre of attraction among the diplomats and their families, especially children.

The diplomats belonging to different countries took keen interest in Pakistan`s traditional culture, music, local crafts and delicious cuisine, especially Pan and Gol Gappay. Acting Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Ambassador of Yemen Mohammad Motahar Alashabi, Dean of Corps of Service Attaches (COSA) Brig General Abu Rubel Shahabuddin and Adviser to Prime Minister on Legal Affairs Barrister Ageel Malik were present on the occasion while Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider was the chief guest.

In his welcoming address, Zaildar Ahsan Shah said Taxila was the centre of the ancient Gandhara civilization and even today tourists from all over the world visit it. Especially, history students come here to research and study the bygone civilization.

`This city, located at the crossroads of many great civilizations is a holy land for the followers of Buddhism.

There are over 30 sacred historical sites located in the area and efforts are being made to declare Taxila as a World Heritage City`.

The dean of COSA said that the orange festival provides a window to the diverse cultural heritage and showcase the real Pakistan to the world. He expressed his gratitude to Zaildar House for organising such activities for the diplomatic community. Correspondent