Embassy of Turkmenistan in Pakistan co-organizes annual Orange Festival in historic Taxila

Taxila, February 7. The annual Orange Festival was held at the renowned Zaildar House complex in the historic city of Taxila, Punjab Province, bringing together members of the diplomatic corps, government officials, and civil society representatives.

The event was organized by Zaildar Ahsan Shah, Chairman of the International Relations Committee of the Islamabad High Court Bar Association, in cooperation with the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Pakistan, acting in its capacity as the Office of the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, and the Office of the Dean of the Corps of Military Attachés (COSA).

The Chief Guest of the festival, Governor of Punjab Sardar Saleem Haider Khan, along with the event organizers, emphasized the important role of cultural diplomacy in strengthening mutual understanding among nations, promoting people-to-people contacts, and expanding international cooperation. The Ambassador of Turkmenistan highlighted the historical significance of Taxila as one of the key centers of the ancient Gandhara civilization, where diverse religions and cultures coexisted peacefully. He underscored the importance of preserving cultural heritage and traditions of peaceful dialogue passed down through generations over thousands of years.

Held at the famously hospitable Zaildar House, the cultural program offered foreign diplomats and their families an opportunity to immerse themselves in local traditions, including national cuisine, black stone carving art, demonstration performances featuring elements of traditional horse dances, as well as stone-lifting competitions-one of the region’s indigenous sports.

Special attention during the festival was given to the “Khanpur” variety of oranges, a regional hallmark that attracted particular interest from international guests, including families with children.