Aussie icons blended in truck art showcase cultural mix

ISLAMABAD, Feb 27 (APP):Kangaroo, koala, boomerang and Sydney’s Opera House – the national icons of Australia featured in vibrant hues of Pakistani truck art, turned out to be a special symbol of close connection between the two countries, at ‘Australia Day in Spring’ event held here in the capital.
“Art is the perfect way to celebrate closeness between Australia and Pakistan, powered by rich cultures of the two countries,” Australian High Commissioner Margaret Adamson said, at a reception
here attended by high-profile guests including government officials, diplomatic corps, media and social activists.
The décor with murals depicting Australian aboriginal culture painted in vibrant flowery patterns and taglines of truck art by Karachi-based social enterprise Phool Patti, exuded a beautiful fusion of Pakistani and Australian cultural diversity. “We are delighted to showcase the colourful Pakistani traditions infused with Aussie wildlife and landscape,” the High Commissioner said, adding that the two countries shared a Commonwealth heritage endowed with rare biodiversity and fragile environments that needed to be protected.
Adamson said Australia was collaborating with Pakistan in the field of sharing expertise in agriculture and sustainable water management besides focusing on encouraging gender equality.
Minister of State for Climate Change Zartaj Gul in her speech as chief guest said the
friendship between Pakistan and Australia had solid foundation with cooperation in fields, inclusive social and economic development.
She expressed satisfaction that Australia was promoting Pakistani culture through truck art, which originally was a popular regional decorative style of Dera Ghazi Khan, before the international audience.
Islamabad Sufi-rock musician Abdullah Qureshi enthralled the guests with songs carrying
touch of traditional Pakistani and Aussie melodies.