November 17, 2019
U.S. Mission Pakistan
Contact: U.S. Consulate Karachi Public Affairs Section (021-3527500)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Pakistani Musicians and Students Pay a Musical Tribute to Daniel Pearl’s Life and Contributions to Press Freedom
Karachi – November 17, 2019: Acting U.S. Consul General Jack Hillmeyer welcomed a festive crowd of 200 music lovers to a concert organized by the U.S. Consulate General Karachi at the Arts Council Karachi to mark the 17th annual “Daniel Pearl World Music Days.” Contemporary Sufi musician, Arieb Azhar performed alongside students from underserved communities of Lyari and Mauripur, who honed their skills through a U.S-funded music workshop.
“Daniel Pearl truly believed that music has the power to build bridges between people and worked towards cross-cultural understanding with simply a pen and a violin,” said Acting Consul General Jack Hillmeyer. “For many Americans, Daniel Pearl remains a symbol of the courage and strength demanded of journalists, their commitment to the truth above all else, and the need to ensure their safety.
“This concert has become a wonderful tradition, and I couldn’t be happier that Pakistanis and Americans are once again standing together for tolerance, respect and mutual understanding,” Hillmeyer added.
As part of the concert, the United States funded four music workshops conducted by Areeb Azhar for underprivileged students from Lyari and Mauripur Karachi. Six students were selected from these workshops to perform at the concert.
Daniel Pearl World Music Days is an international network of concerts that celebrate the life and work of journalist and musician Daniel Pearl. World Music Day concerts use the universal language of music to commemorate the sacrifices of journalists like Pearl and to spread a message of hope and unity.
