Pakistan is home to one of the oldest civilizations in the world, dating back to 6500 B.C.
Mehergarh in Balochistan and the Indus Valley civilization flourished in this part of the world. Remains of Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa indicate both were well-planned cities. Their inhabitants enjoyed a healthy and advanced lifestyle.
At its peak, the Indus Valley civilization spanned much of the present-day Pakistan and North India, extending westward to the Iranian border, south to Gujarat in present-day India.
Taxila is another archeological treasure of the ancient Gandhara Kingdom located in Pakistan. It is a city of the Gandharan civilization. Taxila was a hub of Buddhism, a center of learning, an urban metropolis and a meeting point of various cultures like Achaemenids, Greeks, Mauryans, Scythians, Parthians, Kushans, Huns and eventually the Muslims.
Later in the history, the great Mughal’s laid the foundations of an illustrious era of art, music, architecture, and gardens. The remnants of that era are scattered all over Pakistan. Lahore known as the cultural hub of Pakistan, host some of the most impressive Mughal and Victorian architecture. The Wazir Khan Mosque and Sheesh Mahal’s glasswork art at Lahore Fort are few examples.
Pakistan is one of the few countries in the world that exhibit an amazing contrast of people in terms of color, creed, race, and customs. The country’s multicultural past has given its people a diverse cuisine varying from province to province.
Pakistan manufactures the finest sports goods including some world-class brands. The footballs used in the World Cup are manufactured in Sialkot. Pakistan is also is famous for its surgical instruments. The hand-woven carpets and rugs of Pakistan are acclaimed and appreciated throughout the world.
The diverse ecosystem of the country also makes it an attractive tourist destination. The varying landscape, deserts in the south to the lush green planes and the majestic mountain in the north, makes Pakistan very unique offering all four seasons throughout the year.
Mountains and peaks are scattered all over the world but Pakistan is known to have the greatest concentration of peaks above 8,000 meters as well as being the home to the second highest peak of the world. The northern areas of Pakistan are endowed with scenic beauty.
• The writer is consul (press) at Pakistan Consulate, Jeddah.
Pakistan: A country with huge tourism potential
Pakistan: A country with huge tourism potential
Forecast of higher temperatures, rainfall in July and August in Saudi
- 1 C rise in central, northern and eastern regions
- Above-normal rain in south, west regions forecast
JEDDAH: Higher temperatures are expected in July and August in the central, northern and eastern parts of Saudi Arabia, the National Center for Meteorology has announced.
In a seasonal forecast carried by the Saudi Press Agency on Wednesday, the meteorology authority expects a rise of 1 degree Celsius in parts of Riyadh, Qassim and Hail, as well as the eastern and Northern Borders regions.
It is expected to peak in August with a rise of 1.2 degrees Celsius in Jouf, Tabuk, Qassim, Hail and the eastern regions.
The NCM has also forecast higher-than-normal rainfall in Najran, Jazan, Al-Baha, Asir, parts of Makkah and Madinah, southern Riyadh and the eastern regions, particularly in July and August.
The rest of the Kingdom is expected to have normal rainfall.
The Summer 2025 forecast, covering the months of June to August, is based on climatic conditions from 1991 to 2020, the SPA stated.
According to the report, the highest temperature was recorded in Jeddah in June 2010 at 52 degrees Celsius, while Al-Ahsa recorded 51.3 in July 2024.
Dammam and Al-Qaisumah in the eastern part of the Kingdom recorded August highs of 51 in 1998 and 2021.
For rainfall, the southwestern region of Jazan recorded the highest daily amount in August 2024 at 113 millimeters. It also held the record for July at 67.6 in 1995.
For the month of June, Sharurah, in the southern province of Najran, recorded the highest daily amount in June 1996 at 53.8.
Governor of Qassim praises heritage center for preserving region’s culture and history
- Prince Faisal bin Mishaal highlights the ways in which the Cultural Heritage Center helps boost national pride in the Kingdom’s historical and cultural identity
- He tours exhibits that showcase the region’s various historical eras and feature a wide range of treasures, including prehistoric and pre-Islamic artifacts
RIYADH: The governor of Qassim, Prince Faisal bin Mishaal, praised a cultural center on Wednesday for the work it is doing to preserve and showcase the region’s rich history and heritage.
During a tour of the Cultural Heritage Center in Qassim he saw displays devoted to various historical eras and learned about the methods used to preserve the region’s historical and cultural assets, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The prince highlighted the important role the facility plays in shining a light on the region’s cultural heritage, and showcasing key historical artifacts dating back as far as ancient times from sites closely linked to the history and evolution of the Saudi state.
The center, which is part of the regional branch of the Saudi Heritage Commission, has displays that showcase the different historical eras of the region and feature a wide range of exhibits, including prehistoric artifacts and pre-Islamic treasures.
One exhibition is dedicated to Islamic-era Qassim, others to historic pilgrimage routes, architectural heritage sites, and the region’s intangible cultural heritage. There is also an interactive room for children, and a handicrafts section.
Prince Faisal praised the work of the Heritage Commission and highlighted the ways in which its efforts contribute to national pride in the Kingdom’s heritage and its historical identity.
He was accompanied during his visit by Ibrahim Al-Mushaikih, director of the commission’s regional branch, and other officials.
Al-Mushaikih said the governor’s visit represented a significant step in the development of the facility. He invited people from all parts of Saudi society to pay a visit and see for themselves the comprehensive information it offers about Qassim’s archaeological and heritage sites through enjoyable experiences and interactive displays.
Saudi UN envoy demands global action to protect children in conflict zones, condemns Gaza violence
- Abdulaziz Alwasil denounces Israeli military operations in Gaza as ‘flagrant violation of international humanitarian law’
- He emphasizes Kingdom’s commitment to application of international legal instruments, including Convention on the Rights of the Child and its optional protocols
NEW YORK CITY: Saudi Arabia’s permanent representative to the UN, Abdulaziz Alwasil, called on Wednesday for urgent international action to protect children in conflict zones, warning that failure to do so would undermine efforts to build more stable and prosperous societies.
Speaking at a UN Security Council meeting convened to discuss the effects of armed conflicts on youngsters, Alwasil emphasized the importance of protecting children, describing it as a legal obligation and moral responsibility, particularly in nations affected by prolonged violence.
During the session, UN officials detailed an unprecedented surge in the number of grave violations against children during armed conflicts worldwide.
The meeting followed the publication of a devastating annual report by the UN secretary-general’s special representative for children and armed conflict, Virginia Gamba. It documented 41,370 grave violations against children during 2024, a 25 percent increase compared with the previous year, and the highest number since the UN’s Monitoring and Reporting Mechanism was established in 2005.
The verified abuses of children spanned 25 countries and included killings, maiming, recruitment, abductions, sexual violence, attacks on schools and hospitals, and denial of access to humanitarian assistance.
“This year marked a devastating new record,” Gamba told council members. “Behind these numbers are the shattered stories, dreams and futures of over 22,000 children.”
She cited a sharp increase in “compounded violations,” in which children were abducted, recruited and sexually abused, often simultaneously, in the context of deteriorating humanitarian crises.
Israel was responsible for the highest number of violations by a single country against children in 2024, the report stated.
Alwasil said: “As we approach the 20th anniversary of Resolution 1612, which established mechanisms for monitoring violations against children in armed conflict, the international community must focus on two priorities: We must break the cycle of violence and create an environment that rejects extremism and fosters resilience.”
The envoy expressed appreciation for Gamba’s work, and emphasized the Kingdom’s commitment to the application of international legal instruments, including the Convention on the Rights of the Child and its optional protocols. He stressed the shared responsibility of all parties for the protection of children and for efforts to address the root causes of armed violence.
Turning to the crisis in Gaza in particular, Alwasil sharply rebuked Israeli authorities over their military operations in the territory.
“What is happening in Gaza now is a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law and humanitarian values,” he said.
“Civilians live under constant bombardment and a suffocating blockade, facing systematic aggression by Israeli armed forces. This has led to the deaths of 55,000 Palestinians, most of them women and children.”
The war has deprived more than 1 million children in Gaza of basic necessities, including food and medicine, Alwasil said. He called for immediate international action to end the conflict, protect vulnerable populations and hold accountable those responsible for violations.
“The Kingdom affirms that the protection of children in areas of armed conflict is a legal duty that cannot be shirked, and a moral responsibility that cannot be ignored,” he concluded.
“Saudi Arabia supports all UN efforts aimed at protecting civilians, and enhancing international cooperation to respond to the suffering of children affected by war, wherever they may be.”
Replacement of the kiswa that covers Holy Kaaba at Grand Mosque in Makkah begins
- A team of 154 skilled Saudi craftsmen will remove the old kiswa, detach its gilded elements, and install its replacement
- The cover is made up of 47 black-silk panels embroidered with 68 Quranic verses using 24-karat gold-plated silver threads, and weighs 1,415 kg
RIYADH: The annual ceremony to replace the kiswa, the embroidered, black-and-gold silk cloth that covers the Holy Kaaba at the Grand Mosque in Makkah, began on Wednesday evening. It is a tradition that dates back more than a century.
The carefully coordinated process began with the removal of a section of the cloth measuring 6.35 meters by 3.33 meters that covered the Kaaba door.
The new kiswa is on its way to the Grand Mosque, accompanied by a comprehensive system of logistical and operational support, the Saudi Press Agency reported. A team of 154 skilled Saudi craftsmen will remove the old kiswa, detach its gilded elements, and install its replacement.
The cover is made up of 47 black-silk panels, intricately embroidered with 68 Quranic verses using 24-karat gold-plated silver threads. It weighs approximately 1,415 kilograms.
A total of 825 kilograms of silk, 410 kilograms of raw cotton, 120 kilograms of gold-plated silver thread and 60 kilograms of pure silver were used in the creation of the new kiswa. In addition, 54 gilded pieces were produced using eight specialized weaving machines at the King Abdulaziz Complex for the Holy Kaaba Kiswa.
Franco-Saudi music week unites cultures in Jeddah
- French musicians and artists descend on the Kingdom’s second city
- Week-long festivities kicked off coinciding with World Music Day
JEDDAH: A week-long music festival is celebrating the rich artistic ties between France and Saudi Arabia through a series of talks, musical performances and jam sessions in Jeddah.
Having kicked off on World Music Day – June 21 – the Music Week in Jeddah: A Franco-Saudi Celebration runs until June 27 and is hosted by the French Embassy and consulate in Jeddah in partnership with the Alliance Francaise, Art Jameel, Call of Culture, Music Home, Sout Albalad and Siddharta Lounge.
One of the featured events was a DJ session by French artist SONGE at Siddharta Lounge by Buddha Bar on Tuesday. She told Arab News that through her music she aims “to break boundaries and create inclusive spaces where diverse voices and energies can connect.”
GUITARRAMA, the Ninth Artistic Music and Music Education Forum, hosted at Music Home on Monday, brought together a number of artists and experts.
It was spearheaded by Anouar Kablaoui, instructor at Music Home Higher Institute and founder of the forum.
Kablaoui said: “This ninth edition explores how the guitar, a traditionally Western instrument, is being reimagined within Arabic musical aesthetics, jazz vocabularies and local creative industries.”
The forum also featured Saudi jazz guitarist Aqeel Hussein, who reflected on his personal journey with jazz, beginning at an American university and continuing with his efforts to bring the genre into the Saudi musical landscape since 2004.
“This forum was an opportunity to share my story and the passion that drives me to keep performing and educating through jazz. It’s about showing how music can evolve when it crosses borders, while staying true to its roots,” Hussein told Arab News.
A performance by the student band Zakharef, formed by students of the University of Business and Technology, captured the spirit of the night. The band’s musical debut was a tribute to the Hijazi heritage and the historical charm of Jeddah’s Al-Balad, forming an emotional and lasting moment for both the performers and the audience.
Hayy Jameel is set to host an open jam session with French-Moroccan artist Karimouche on Thursday in collaboration with Hayy Sounds.
The performance promises a dynamic fusion of Eastern melodies, hip-hop, spoken word and beatbox — blending tradition and modernity in a truly global dialogue of sound.
Karimouche, the stage name of French Moroccan artist Karima Amarouche, told Arab News: “It’s an honor for me to participate in the emancipation of women in music here.”
She is known for fusing rap, spoken word, and North African rhythms in songs that explore themes of identity and resistance. She revealed that her Hayy Jameel performance will feature songs from both her latest album “Folies Berberes” and earlier works.
She also shared how her collaboration with Saudi artist Roaa Lam began: “I saw her on Instagram. I listened and thought, ‘Wow, I love this artist. She’s amazing’.”
Karimouche is deeply committed to working with women in music, both in France and abroad. “It’s important for me. There’s a sense of female solidarity. It’s an honor for me to participate in the emancipation of women in music here, and to witness the growing freedom year after year. God willing, I hope to return every year.”
Reflecting on her time in Saudi Arabia so far, she said: “The music scene here is very rich. The collaboration with the all-female band Siham in Riyadh was magical. We created new pieces together and blended our styles. Now, the same is happening here with Roaa.”
Kosh spoke to Arab News about how he imitates instruments with his unique style of beatboxing.
He explained that his journey began in childhood: “When I was a kid, I played with toy cars and made sounds … that evolved into beatboxing.”
Over the years, his talents have taken him to major venues, including the Montreux Festival in France. He now mixes beatboxing with humor, spoken word and live music.
Roaa Lam, the Saudi oud player, told Arab News about how she perceives oud and music: “For me, it’s not composition — it’s emotional storytelling”
Representing Saudi Arabia in the international collaboration, Lam is a self-taught oud player, singer, and composer who brings authenticity and deep emotion to her music.
“I compose music and collaborate with other artists,” she said.
Lam spoke about one of her most meaningful projects: A piece called Kurd Al-Tha’alib (Kurd of the Foxes), which she composed using field recordings of women’s voices in a public garden in Jeddah, before their neighborhood was demolished.
“I used the musical mode ‘Kurd’ and named the piece after the neighborhood that was called Al-Tha’alib before it was torn down,” she said.
The piece was performed at the Feminist Festival in Berlin — a milestone in her growing international presence.
She also reflected on her musical journey: “I’ve been playing oud for about six years. I taught myself. I never studied in a music school — it’s all self-expression. That’s what music is to me.”
Music Week in Jeddah is a creative crossroads. Through the voices of artists, the festival highlights the richness of cultural exchange and the transformative power of music to build empathy, connection and beauty.
As Karimouche put it: “My heart is full. The people here are respectful, kind and creative. I’ve learned so much from the Saudi artists.”
The celebration will conclude on Friday with an energetic Open Mic Night at Hayy Jameel, hosted by Slow Moe and spotlighting the emerging Saudi rap scene. This finale aims to showcase the voices of local youth and their growing impact on the global hip-hop scene.
Reflecting on the celebrations, Larry Lamartiniere, managing director of Alliance Francaise de Djeddah, said: “Alliance Francaise de Djeddah is thrilled to celebrate La fete de la musique alongside its partners. It is an event that transcends borders and brings people together through the universal language of music.”
Mohammed Nehad, consul general of France in Jeddah, said the event is a “powerful symbol of the deepening friendship and cultural cooperation between France and Saudi Arabia,” adding that he hopes it will continue to “energize the local cultural scene in Jeddah.”
