Huge applause for Pakistan at the London New Year’s Day Parade
World has seen the beautiful face of Pakistan: Syed Ibne Abbas
The Pakistan High Commission London, first time ever, participated in the world’s largest street parade, the iconic London’s New Year’s Day Parade on 1st January 2017. This was the first instance in the event’s over three decades history that any Diplomatic Mission participated in it. This aspect was specifically highlighted in the running commentary for TV channels. There were more than 8,500 performers from 20 countries. More than 600,000 people lined up along the London streets and watched the Parade. Besides, around 300 TV channels, including BBC, Sky News, and Euro News telecast it live across the globe for millions of viewers. It provided Pakistan a wonderful opportunity to showcase its soft power at one of the world’s greatest street spectaculars.
Repeated announcement that this year marks the 70th Anniversary of Independence of Pakistan was met with huge cheers from the crowd of spectators from all parts of the world. Our theme of “Emerging Pakistan” for the 70th Independence Anniversary celebrations widely resonated among the audience.
Performance of the Pakistan Segment at the London New Year’s Day Parade (LNYDP), received thunderous applause from thousands of spectators lined up on both sides of the Parade route. The Pakistan Segment featured dancing hoerses, drum beating, regional music, colourful dresses, Kalash dance, Qawwali performance, playing national songs and much more. At the grand finale, the Pakistani performers cheered up the spectators with their spectacular performance. Pakistani souvenirs were also distributed to the spectators along the route that was a pleasant surprise for the spectators.
H.E. Syed Ibne Abbas, Pakistan High Commissioner to the UK, along with his spouse, was taken to the VIP enclosure in a special carriage just before the start of the Parade. Speaking to the media on this occasion, he termed High Commission’s participation in LNYDP a huge step towards introducing Pakistan’s true and positive face to the world. “Today’s showcasing of the cultural diversity and beauty of Pakistan would help change perception of our country created by the international media and promote tourism in Pakistan”, stated the High Commissioner. World has seen the beautiful face of Pakistan today, he added further.
The Pakistan High Commission London has planned a series of cultural events to celebrate the 70th Independence Anniversary of Pakistan under the theme of 2Emerging Pakistan”. Participation in the LNYDP has kick started the celebrations that would continue throughout the year 2017. Successful participation in the Parade has set the tone for the next year’s events.
The London New Year’s Day Parade is world’s greatest street spectacular which makes it a unique occasion for the people around the world. Various countries, London Boroughs, social and cultural organisations, academic institutions, charities and other groups participate in this event. Londoners wait for this occasion the whole year as it marks the festive start of the New Year.
