Students learn ‘what Pakistan is all about’

People looked into the Willkie Auditorium on Thursday as the sounds of traditional Pakistani music spilled from the room. \nPakistani Students Association Co-President Sara Qurashi said the event is held every year, but this was the first time they officially called it “Pakistan Night.” The event included traditional Pakistani food, music, dancing and a fashion show. \n“We’re letting people know what Pakistan is all about,” Qurashi said. \nWhile attendees were eating, traditional Pakistani music played in the background. Bloomington resident Maroof Qurashi, Sara Qurashi’s father, said the music gave him goose bumps because it reminded him of a time he lived in Pakistan. \nThe show began with a political comedy skit about current events, and the Pakistani Students Association then sang Pakistian’s national anthem.\nThe first performance by a group of students was titled “Melting Pot.” The dance was a combination of belly dancing and hip-hop, said junior and performer Branden Moore. \nMoore decided to participate in the event because of a friend who was involved with planning the night.\n“It really broadens your outlook on life,” Moore said. \nOther performers included a Romanian belly dancer. The dancer performed three seductive dances and she encouraged the crowd to clap with her on some of the songs.\nThe night concluded with a fashion show of traditional Pakistani clothing. \nGraduate student Krystal Klein said she was looking forward to the fashion show the most. Klein said one of her favorite things about living in America is receiving the opportunity to experience so many diverse cultures such as the Pakistani culture. \nThe fashion show included men and women wearing traditional Pakistani clothing. The women wore bright clothing full of glitter and sparkles, while the men wore more subtle outfits. \nAfter the show, attendees were encouraged to eat more traditional Pakistani food. \nGraduate student Eric Dimperio said he came to the event to experience a different culture.\n“It’s fun and interesting,” Dimperio said. “And it’s good to see that there’s other things out there than what you see.”