One of the most prominent and active community organisations of Pakistani expatriates living in Qatar, Sohni Dharti (SD) Al Khor is once again coming up with a colourful community programme to mark Pakistan Day on March 23.
The grand stage show, Chand Meri Zameen, Phool Mera Watan (My country is like moon and flowers), to be held at Al Waha Club Ball Room, is unique in a way that it would be hosted completely by children. A large number of children are also participating in different segments and competitions specially designed for the show, themed according to the significance of Pakistan Day.
Children will present eight tableaus and there would also be speeches made by them on the occasion.  “We have already received submissions from children on two different competitions that we announced as part of the Pakistan Day programme and they would be displayed at the occasion. The entire Pakistani community living in Doha has been invited to the show and we are expecting a good turn out,” Anwar Ali Rana, the Chairman of SD, told Community.
Children below nine years of age were invited to participate in a sketch and painting competition titled Menar-e-Pakistan (Monument Minaret in Lahore). This was aimed at making the children understand the significance of the day and the ‘Minaret of Pakistan,’ said Rana.
Meenar-a-Pakistan, the symbol of resolution of Pakistan beautifully painted by Aiman, Faizan Ashraf, Zikra Hoor, Muhammad Ashir, Rao Abdullah Aabban and Rao Muhammad Aayan, he added.
The children above nine years of age were asked to participate in an essay competition on the theme, ‘I Love My Pakistan’. And SD chief said they have already received a bundle of submissions from the children.
“Children will show the performances on Pakistani patriotic songs. Almost 100 children will show the performances first time on the platform of Sohni Dharti. It will be a wonderful show organised by SD on Pakistan Day,” added Rana.
The Pakistan Day will be officially marked with a flag-hoisting ceremony at the embassy of Pakistan. A number of other community organisations have also planned multiple events where the local community will be engaged in different activities.   
The Sohni Dharti Al Khor Community has been regularly holding events to mark Pakistan Day and days of national importance besides actively participating in the National Day celebrations of Qatar and other local events. The community organisation regularly brings colourful cultural programmes, sports and recreation, and educational activities to the Pakistani community living in Doha.
SD recently organised a cricket tournament, Pakistan Cricket League (PCL) 2016 comprising six teams which was styled on the recently concluded first Pakistan Super League (PSL). The hotly contested tournament was witnessed by scores of cricket-lovers residing in Al Khor community and outside.
The cricket extravaganza also coincided with a grand bazaar featuring a mandarin festival and fresh fruits and vegetables directly imported from Pakistan, held at New Football Field Al Khor Community last month.
The festival attended by a large number of expatriates featured one of the best mandarin varieties (kinnow) from Pakistan. Kinnow, widely grown in the Punjab province, is exported to many countries of the world.
“We got the kinnow imported fresh from Pakistan and all our fruits and vegetables arrived on the day of festival fresh from Pakistan. The visitors of the festival were happy to find some of the best quality kinnow in Qatar,” Rana told Community.
Besides the mandarin, the festival also offered visitors the traditional Pakistani cuisine besides ingredients for the typical Pakistani dishes found in different areas. Other Pakistani products such as clothes were also put on display for the visitors.
Among its educational programmes, the SD organised an event called Future Leaders Programme. Renowned scholar and motivational speaker Dr Shoukar Chandna was invited to speak to children and youth of the Al Khor Community.
A regular feature of Sohni Dharti annual activities calendar, the format of the programme allows the participating children to share their learning experiences and give their input. In the programme, the participants were shown a motivational video followed by a discussion on it.