By Irfan Siddiqui | Tokyo, Japan
The Pakistan Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka continues to attract massive attention and admiration as it crossed another milestone this week. With over 800,000 visitors in just three months, the pavilion has firmly established itself as one of the most visited and celebrated exhibits at the global event.
This growing popularity was further solidified today as the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) cultural troupe delivered a mesmerizing Khattak dance performance, captivating hundreds of Japanese visitors. The high-energy traditional dance, performed with swords and rhythmic footwork, brought a burst of color, sound, and movement to the heart of Osaka — creating a cultural moment that left the audience in awe.
According to eyewitnesses and pavilion organizers, Japanese spectators clapped and cheered with enthusiasm, responding to every beat and synchronized step of the dancers. Many visitors were seen capturing the performance on their mobile phones, while others lined up for photographs with the artists afterward.
“This was a historic moment for us,” said Mr. Sajjad Shah, Head of Event Management at the Pakistan Pavilion.
“The Khattak dance performance not only showcased the bravery and elegance of Pashtun culture but also forged an emotional connection between the people of Pakistan and Japan. The overwhelming applause from the Japanese audience speaks for itself.”
The performance was part of a broader effort to present Pakistan’s cultural diversity, and it came on the heels of the pavilion’s ongoing successes. Themed around Himalayan Pink Salt, the pavilion has drawn visitors with its interactive exhibits, wellness education, and artisanal displays. Pakistan’s flavorful biryani sampling sessions and the highly anticipated Mango Festival — featuring the country’s prized Sindhri and Chaunsa mangoes — have also been major attractions.
Speaking about the pavilion’s record-breaking attendance, Mr. Muhammad Naseer, Director General of the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) and the official in charge of the pavilion, said:
“More than 800,000 people have visited our pavilion in just three months. This level of interest shows that the world is eager to discover the real Pakistan — a country rich in culture, flavor, hospitality, and potential.
Visitors have reportedly waited in queues for more than an hour just to enter the pavilion. Many are drawn not only by the products and performances but also by the immersive experience that reflects a modern and forward-looking image of Pakistan.
With several months still to go before Expo 2025 concludes, officials are confident that the Pakistan Pavilion will continue to break records, foster people-to-people connections, and strengthen economic and cultural ties between Pakistan and Japan.
