Over the past two and a half decades, the Hazara community has faced continuous terrorist attacks; Provincial Convener Awaam Pakistan, Syed Aman Shah.
Karachi: Provincial Convener Awam Pakistan Balochistan, prominent tribal figure “Syed Aman Shah” has said that the Hazara community, mainly residing in Quetta, Balochistan, is one of the most oppressed ethnic groups in Pakistan. Over the past two and a half decades, the community has faced continuous terrorist attacks resulting in the tragic loss of countless lives.
He said this while addressing Hazara Culture Day in Islamabad. He said that this period, often referred to as the Hazara Genocide, left the Hazara community in a state of fear and marginalization. For many years, the Hazara community was known only through news headlines reporting daily deaths.
Syed Aman Shah added that Hazara Culture Day on May 19 not only pays tribute to a resilient community Rather, it is also a global call for cultural identity, peace and justice. It transforms the narrative of pain into one of pride, solidarity and celebration.
Syed Aman Shah further said that in response to this horrific situation, in addition to protests and sit-ins following a major terrorist attack on Alamdar Road in 2013, a group of volunteers led by Ms. Fatima Atif took the initiative to change the narrative.
They started promoting Hazara identity through the celebration of Hazara culture in the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT). Their efforts laid the foundation for cultural revival. A major milestone was achieved when the group collaborated with Lok Virsa, the national institution for folk and traditional heritage. They added that under the leadership of Fatima Atif, the Hazargi Diorama was conceived and created in the Lok Virsa Museum.
Addressing the event, Hazara Culture Day founder Fatima Atif said that its inauguration on May 19, 2017 marks the first-ever installation of a Hazaragi diorama in any museum worldwide, which is serving as a historic moment for cultural preservation. Fatima Atif said that to commemorate this achievement, Hazara Culture Day launched a successful campaign in April 2018, which officially celebrated May 19 as Hazara Culture Day.
The campaign has grown into a global cultural movement over the past seven years. Fatima Atif said that as of May 19, 2025, Hazara Culture Day has been celebrated in 23 countries, making it a symbol of cultural resilience and identity. Fatima Atif outlined the objectives of Hazara Culture Day, some of which are as follows:
1. To Promote Hazara Culture Globally
2. To address the Hazara identity crisis by creating visibility for their rich and diversified cultural heritage across the world.
3. To Foster Diversity and Inclusion
4. To build bridges with other communities through cultural exchange, fostering mutual respect and understanding.
5. To Showcase different aspects of Hazara traditions, including art, music, cuisine, attire, and storytelling.
6. To Highlight the Challenges Faced by the Hazara Community
7. To create awareness about the social, political, and economic challenges faced by Hazaras in Pakistan and the diaspora.
Hazara Culture Day May 19 is not only a tribute to a resilient community but also a global call for cultural recognition, peace, and justice. It transforms a narrative of pain into one of pride, solidarity, and celebration.
