Pakistan PavilionPakistan's pavilion was a modern structure of lava stone topped by a petal-shaped dome which is traditional of Islamic architecture. Its exhibits inside presented a mosaic of history and change from magnificent relics dating back thousands of years to detailed models of mammoth dams and the dream city of Islamabad, Pakistan's unfinished (1964) future capital.It its "Glories of the Past" exhibit, priceless relics depicted the life of the Indus Valley Civilization (2500 to 1500 B.C. In the collection were terra cotta goddesses, limestone busts, colorful cosmetic jars made of paste and earthenware and toys - including whistling birds and little bullock carts. To show the Western period of influence in ancient Pakistan (200 B.C. to 600 A.D.) on display were statues of gods in Greek-Roman style, plus a number of Buddas. The Islamic period (8th through 19th centuries) was portrayed through Mogul color miniatures, costumes, pottery, metalwork, glassware and illuminated manuscripts lettered in gold. Another exhibit displayed contemporary arts and craftsmanship; in embroidery, ivory, brass and wood. The nation's industrial achievements were portrayed through a display of a variety of finished products, and there were exhibits of paintings by Pakistani artists. A wide assortment of items, from toys and trinkets to luxurious rugs, were for sale at the bazaar. A graphic display of economic growth included models of pubic-works projects such as the Mangla and Tarbela Dams and the new capital city - rising of 250 square miles of barren land, which was to be completed in 1965. A restaurant inside under the pavilion's illuminated dome served Pakistani dishes including a variety of kababs (cubes of spiced meat cooked with vegetables) and Patak Gosht (a spinach and meat dish.) |