rki.news

Event highlights Pakistan’s culinary heritage and agricultural excellence
DOHA: The Cultural Village Foundation – Katara, in collaboration with the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in Qatar, hosted a tasting event featuring Pakistani rice and traditional rice-based desserts on Sunday evening at Building 32 in Katara.
The event was attended by Mr. Saif Saad Al Dosari, Deputy General Manager and Director of Human Resources at Katara, His Excellency Muhammad Aamir, Ambassador of Pakistan to Qatar, as well as a number of officials, guests and visitors interested in learning more about Pakistan’s rich culinary culture.
Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador Muhammad Aamir thanked Katara for hosting the event, describing it as an important opportunity to introduce Pakistan’s cultural and civilizational heritage. He highlighted Pakistan’s diverse geography and climate, ranging from deserts in the south to towering mountain ranges in the north, which have contributed to the country’s rich agricultural and food production.
The ambassador noted that rice is an integral part of Pakistan’s identity and daily life, serving as a cornerstone of the country’s culinary traditions. He also highlighted the cultural significance of Pakistani mangoes, one of the nation’s most celebrated agricultural products. Announcing the upcoming Pakistani Mango Festival in Qatar from July 9 to 18, he said the event would offer visitors an opportunity to discover a variety of premium Pakistani mangoes.
He further pointed to Pakistan’s contribution to the global sports industry through the manufacture of footballs used in major international tournaments, underscoring the country’s presence in economic, industrial and cultural sectors worldwide.
The event also highlighted Pakistan’s prominent position in the global rice market. Pakistan is the world’s third-largest rice exporter, producing more than 11 million tonnes annually and exporting rice to over 150 countries. Special attention was given to Pakistani Basmati rice, renowned internationally for its premium quality, distinctive aroma and rich heritage passed down through generations.
Speakers emphasized that rice occupies a central place in Pakistan’s cultural identity and social traditions, featuring prominently in celebrations, family gatherings and a variety of popular dishes and desserts. Guests were invited to sample “Kheer,” a traditional rice-based dessert, during the event.
The programme included visual presentations and a short documentary showcasing Pakistan’s natural beauty, agricultural strengths and cultural diversity. The evening concluded with a tasting of various rice-based dishes and desserts, reflecting the strong cultural and people-to-people ties between the State of Qatar and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.