Internationally renowned vocalist, Pakistan’s only opera singer Saira Peter performed on 6th September for a virtual international Defence Day festival, held on Zoom application.
The event honoured war heroes and military top brass belonging from Pakistan’s Christian community in order to express their solidarity with their nation.
Saira Peter captivated audience by her performance. She dedicated her first song ‘Aye Puttar Hattan tay’ originally sung by Sufi Ghulam Mustafa Tabassum, to Chief Guest Mrs Maj Sarmas Rauf – widow of the late Major Rauf who embraced martyrdom in Kargil War.
Furthermore, Saira Peter enthralled the audience by singing a cover of Jamil-Udin-Ali’s national song ‘Aye Wattan Kay Sajeelay Jawanon’, followed by a rousing rendition of ‘Mera Mahi Chhel Chabila’ originally by Sufi Tabassum.
Samson Javed – the event organizer of NCN (Newcastle Christian Network, UK) expressed his gratitude to Saira Peter for making the programme a success through her mesmerizing voice. He said that Saira’s performance had mesmerised viewers around the world and would always be remembered. He also congratulated her husband Stephen Smith who accompanied on harmonium.
Meanwhile, expressing her views, Saira expressed her gratitude to Naval Cdr (R) Saleem A Matthew, for inviting her for this year’s Defence Day festivities.
Other guests who attended the event included Michelle and Shane Chaudhry, daughter and son of 1965 war hero Group Captain Cecil Chaudhry.
