The first Pakistan Cultural and Sports Festival (Mela) in The Netherlands attracted thousands from various communities living in The Netherlands.

Held at a Sport Park in The Hague on 6 June, 2010, the Festival served to provide a welcome opportunity to Pakistani and other communities living in the Netherlands to come together, have a family day-out, and promote inter-cultural understanding through a fun-full day of sports, culture, food and music.

The event, organized under the patronage of the Embassy of Pakistan, was inaugurated by Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry. The Festival showcased Pakistan to a wide audience who were enthralled by the richness of Pakistani culture, sports, music and cuisine. The Festival had something for every one. There were sports fixtures (football, volleyball, kabaddi, kite flying and Rassa Kashi), a wide variety of Pakistani food, and attractions for children and women. Music was played throughout the day, culminating in a musical evening featuring the legendary folk singer Shaukat Ali (Pride of Performance). The programme ended with the gala dinner.

Despite the intermittent showers, the Festival venue remained jam packed with audience throughout the day. Families turned out in large numbers to feast themselves on the Pakistani food, enjoy traditional sports, and shop Pakistani products e.g. ladies garments, home textiles and food items. The ladies got an opportunity to get the hina tattooed on their hands. The kids had fun with slides and pony rides.

The Mela reached its climax in the evening when the famous folk singer Shaukat Ali accompanied by the award-winner Tabla Nawaz Shabbir Hussain Jhari, mesmerized the audience with their popular numbers. The local music talent also entertained the audience throughout the day.

Gemeente Den Haag (City Government, The Hague) also extended its full support. The Alderman, Mr Rabin Baldewsingh, was the guest of honor at the gala dinner. He appreciated the high quality and turn out of the event, especially the wonderful Pakistani music and delectable Pakistani food. Speaking on the occasion he said that with this Festival Pakistani-Dutch community has made a strong statement about its valuable contribution to the multicultural identity of the Netherlands and the City of The Hague.

H.E. Aizaz Ahmed Chaudhry, Ambassador of Pakistan, who was the moving spirit behind the Festival, gave away the prizes to winners of sports fixtures. Addressing the Pakistani Dutch community, he greatly appreciated the positive spirit and energy displayed at the Mela by Pakistani Dutch community. In particular, he commended the organizing committee, sponsors, and coordinators of various events.

The Pakistani Dutch community has whole heartedly welcomed the convening of the first ever Pakistan Festival in the Netherlands and expressed the hope and confidence that the Embassy will help organize similar festivals in the years to come.