The Pakistan Cultural Festival 2011 and Pakistan Food Festival was held on 5 June 2011 at Zyuiderpark Mr. P. D. Fortuynwg 79, 2533 SP Den Haag. The two events were organized with the support of the Embassy of Pakistan The Hague and Gemeente Den Haag.

The Festivals this year were a sequel to the first Pakistan Cultural and Sports Festival (Mela) in The Netherlands held last year on 6 June 2010, which had attracted thousands from various communities living in The Netherlands.

The Festival 2011 was aimed at providing a welcome opportunity to Pakistani and other communities living in the Netherlands to come together and promote inter-cultural understanding through a fun-full day of sports, culture, food and music. Pakistan Food Festival presented mouth savoring selections from the rich delicious Pakistani cuisine.

Like last year, the Festival 2011, 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 2011 had something for everyone. There were sports fixtures (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 celebrated singer Abrar ul Haq.

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 accomplished singer Abrar ul Haq mesmerized the audience with his popular numbers. The local music talent also entertained the audience throughout the day.

Gemeente Den Haag (City Government, The Hague) also extended its support. The Alderman, Mr Rabin Baldewsingh, was the guest of honor. 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 appreciated the continuation of the nascent tradition of Pakistan Festival and expressed the hope that it would evolve into an enduring glorious tradition.