Int'l Day of the Romanian Blouse commemorated
The Embassy of Romania in Islamabad organised, for the first time in Pakistan, the celebration of the International Day of the Romanian Blouse on June 24, bringing together members of the Romanian community, representatives of the diplomatic corps and distinguished Pakistani guests.
Held in the spirit of cultural appreciation and friendship, the event highlighted the timeless beauty of the Romanian traditional blouse, known as the ie, a symbol of national identity and artistic heritage. Guests were invited to wear traditional blouses and garments not only from Romania but from various cultures around the world, underlining the universal power of folk art to connect people beyond borders.
The celebration included an exhibition of authentic Romanian blouses, many handmade and passed down through generations, as well as traditional music and culinary delights. Attendees had the opportunity to taste Romanian dishes and drinks, experiencing the richness of Romania's rural traditions and hospitality.
In his welcoming remarks, Ambassador Dan Stoenescu emphasised, "The Romanian blouse is more than a piece of clothing. It is a cultural treasure, a bridge between past and present and a celebration of women's creativity and resilience. By sharing this tradition in Islamabad, we celebrate both our identity and our friendship with the people of Pakistan and the international community."
The International Day of the Romanian Blouse, marked each year on 24 June, coincides with Sânziene, a midsummer Romanian folk celebration with deep roots in pre-Christian traditions. Initiated by the cultural movement La Blouse Roumaine, this day has grown into a global celebration of Romanian heritage, with events held in cities across Europe, the Americas and Asia.
The Embassy's event in Islamabad adds Pakistan to the growing list of countries where the Romanian ie is honoured, strengthening the cultural ties and mutual understanding between Romania and its partners worldwide.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Express Tribune
14 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Central AsiaFriendship Rally kicksoff from Islamabad
The Central Asia Friendship Rally was formally launched from Islamabad, aiming to promote peace, tourism, regional connectivity, and Pakistan's soft image across Central Asian countries. Eleven bikers will ride through Afghanistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan in a journey spanning 5,000 kilometres, carrying a message of friendship and cultural unity. Speaking at the launch ceremony, Prime Minister's Coordinator on Tourism Sardar Yasir Ilyas said, "These bikers are ambassadors of peace, culture, and regional cooperation. This initiative will showcase Pakistan's soft image and promote our tourism potential on an international stage." He further emphasised the role of media in portraying Pakistan positively. "We urge the media to highlight such positive initiatives. Pakistani people are known for their hospitality and do not charge tourists; this is our strength," he remarked. The official also acknowledged the valuable support of the ambassadors of Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, appreciating their collaboration in making the rally possible. "This rally is a step towards greater regional connectivity," he said, adding that Pakistan is in the process of developing its first-ever National Tourism Policy, which will be a joint framework with input from all stakeholders. "Tourism is not just about travel, it's an economic driver," he said
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Express Tribune
Hajj application process begins Aug 4
The government will start receiving applications for the official Hajj scheme from August 4, following the federal cabinet's approval of the Hajj Policy 2026. Selections will be made on a first-come, first-served basis, in line with the Saudi timeline. Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Sardar Muhammad Yousaf said Pakistan has been allocated a quota of 179,210 pilgrims — 119,210 under the government scheme and 60,000 for private operators, subject to final confirmation by Saudi authorities. The government scheme will include both the traditional 38-42 day package and a shorter 20-25 day option. Estimated costs are expected to range between Rs1.15 million and Rs1.25 million, depending on final agreements with service providers. Pilgrims will be required to deposit Hajj dues in two installments, with the first installment — Rs500,000 for the long package and Rs550,000 for the short one through designated banks, he added. Minister Yousaf said applicants must hold valid Pakistani passports until at least November 26, 2026, and children under 12 years of age will not be eligible for Hajj this year. He said all pilgrims must be vaccinated with Saudi-approved vaccines. He said the 'Road to Makkah' initiative will continue at Islamabad and Karachi airports. He said overseas Pakistanis will be allowed to remit Hajj payments to nominated bank accounts under the scheme. The policy mandates compulsory animal sacrifice payments through the official Saudi system, he added. Minister Yousaf said private Hajj operators, including Dependent Hajj Companies (DHCs), will be subject to strict financial safeguards and transparent digital oversight. He said these operators must enter service provider agreements with the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony and operate under real-time data monitoring to ensure transparency, prevent double bookings, and ensure timely services. He said a third-party audit system will evaluate the performance of both government and private Hajj schemes. The Punjab Information Technology Board will continue operational digital support, with the Ministry of IT overseeing supervision through NITB, he added. Minister Yousaf said further measures include the deployment of emergency response teams, the continuation of the "Hajj Guardian Scheme" to compensate pilgrims for losses, mandatory training on logistics, rituals, and emergency protocols, and a fully digitized complaint redressal mechanism. He said the 'Pak Hajj App' and helpline will assist pilgrims with updates and issue resolution throughout the Hajj process. The Hajj Policy 2026 will help ensure a transparent, efficient, and spiritually fulfilling experience for all Pakistani pilgrims through digitization, regulation, and improved service delivery mechanisms, he maintained. The Hajj Policy 2026 includes a 70% government quota and a 30% private sector quota. It was highlighted that, following issues with the private sector in the previous year, private companies will ensure the participation of pilgrims who missed the Hajj in 2025.
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Express Tribune
Pakistani bikers begin Central Asia tour to boost ECO ties
The group leader Mukarram Tareen shared that the journey will span 23 days and cover approximately 5,000 kilometers, traversing historic, cultural, and natural landmarks across Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. PHOTO: ASIF MEHMOOD Listen to article A group of renowned Pakistani bikers has set off on an international tourism and cultural expedition to Central Asia under the initiative of the Tourism Development Corporation of Punjab (TDCP). The 15-member group aims to strengthen tourism ties among four Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) member states: Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. The bikers were seen off by TDCP Managing Director Dr Nasir Mehmood at the tourism bus terminal located at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. Speaking to The Express Tribune, group leader Mukarram Tareen shared that the journey will span 23 days and cover approximately 5,000 kilometers, traversing historic, cultural, and natural landmarks across Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. 'Our route will take us from Islamabad to Kabul, Kandahar, Samarkand, Bukhara, and Tashkent. We plan to stay in these cities and engage with local communities. The core objective of this expedition is to promote peaceful relations, regional friendship, and cultural harmony,' Tareen stated. Another group member, Nazar Saeed Khan, noted that the overland route to the Central Asian republics has long remained inactive. 'We aim to reconnect with bikers' clubs in Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, and invite them to visit Pakistan. Such exchanges can boost tourism and provide opportunities to experience each other's cultures firsthand,' he added. TDCP MD Dr Nasir Mehmood lauded the initiative as a landmark step toward fostering regional friendship, cultural integration, and bilateral tourism. 'This bike rally aligns with Lahore's preparations to be declared the Tourism Capital in 2027 and reflects the Punjab government's commitment to offering international-standard tourism facilities,' he noted. He further emphasised that such healthy and adventurous activities not only promote wellness tourism but also portray Pakistan as a peaceful, harmonious, and welcoming country on the global stage. This initiative stands as a practical example of utilising tourism as a diplomatic bridge—aiming to project a positive image of Pakistan abroad.
