Pakistani nationals at the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) organized a function dubbed “Rang-e-Watan” (Colors of Pakistan) to celebrate Pakistan's 72nd National Day on March 23. Around 300 Pakistani students, faculty members and their families attended the event at the KAUST Student Center, which was adorned with posters of Pakistan's historical places and the national flag. The program started with the recitation of verses from the Holy Qur'an, followed by a documentary film on Pakistan's historical and tourist sites. Students delivered speeches highlighting the importance of the day in the history of their homeland while youths from the local Pakistani community presented national songs. Musicians garbed in traditional costumes entertained the audience with national and folk songs from all regions and languages of Pakistan. Two folk singers from Balochistan, Lal Khan Rind and Allah Bachayo, sang regional Baluchi songs with a droll (drum) and harmonium. Posters, antiques and handicrafts highlighted Harappa and Mohenjo-dar, two ancient archeological sites of Pakistan. Harappa is near the city of Sahiwal while Mohenjo-daro is located in the Larkana District of Sindh. Pakistani handicrafts such as marble glasses, models of decorated trucks, buses and rickshaws were showcased. Ladies took a special interest in embroidered shirts, cushion covers, bangles, artificial jewelry, khussas (shoes) and Mehndi designs (henna tattoo). Green shirts used by Pakistan's national cricket team were distributed among the local and foreign audience as gifts. Calligraphy by Pakistan artists was the hallmark of the event. Pakistani traditional food was served at the end.
