Dawn Images

With a vision to redefine neighbourhood, Shaan-e-Pakistan is a three-day event aimed at bringing countries closer through mutual appreciation of art, music, food, fashion and culture while at the same time portraying Pakistan in a positive light.

Hosting Pakistani talent as well as giving platform to emerging talent, this year's event was scheduled to take place in Sri Lanka, in the heart of its capital, Colombo. However, due to the recent coronavirus outbreak declared as a global pandemic, the event had to be postponed.

"Due to the COVID-19 situation world wide and as per the regulations of WHO and Govt of Pakistan, Sri Lanka and India - from where majority of our participants and associates hail from - we at Shaan-e-Pakistan have decided to postpone the show to the date suitable to host an event of this stature," said CEO Huma Nasr speaking to Images.

"We can't risk our people who are coming from Pakistan, and are thus going to support the government's decision. This decision will definitely be in all of our favours; we look forward to coming back with more energy, power and scope," she added.

"We will be announcing the new date on the 23 March (Pakistan Day) after relevent approvals and discussion this week, tentatively which has been locked in for the month of June," added Irfan Pardesi, CEO of Zee Foundation.

The trunk show, which was scheduled from 21 March to 23 March was to showcase prominent designers such as Ali Xeeshan, Umar Sayeed and Humayun Alamgir among others and a finale by Salt Arts special edition of the South Asia Ensemble, featuring Ahsan Bari, Rakae Jamil and Hussain Dossa.

The pop-up exhibition also aimed to focus on craftsmen, artist and local business entries for a wholesome cultural experience. Last year the Shaan-e-Pakistan music summit was held in Lahore and they've also taken their show to New Delhi in the past.

With large public gatherings being at a huge risk to the health of individuals, the decision to postpone the event was both wise and needed.