Pakistani and British Pakistani artists will join together in London on March 1 for 'Pakistan: Ready to Rise', an opportunity to experience two vibrant underground scenes that encapsulate a global generation. The gig is a cross-cultural event showcasing the edgy, angry, yet hopeful voice of the youth through punk, rock and hip hop.

Pakistan: Ready to Rise will bring together Pakistani rapper Adil Omar and punk-rock band Bumbu Sauce with British Pakistani urban acts Pure Music Generals and Shizzio. We will also have on the night a special live performance by international sell out artist Aziz Ibrahim. The evening will be an opportunity to hear the voices of tomorrow.

Young people across the world are angry with the status quo. Nowhere do they have as much justification for their frustration than in Pakistan, where, as 65 percent of the population, they face violence, political upheaval and economic disaster.

Pakistan is more than a country. It’s a passion – a jazba. It is an attitude defined by its ability to look at overwhelming odds and try regardless. To get knocked down time after time, and still get up. Pakistan:

Ready to Rise, is about experiencing that jazba, as expressed by Pakistani and British Pakistani musicians, in the heart of London’s East End.

The event is organised by Azme Alishan, Pakistan’s fast growing social campaign, which has given voice to Pakistan’s youth through music for the past two years. Now, it’s time to bring that voice to the UK, the home of the largest Pakistani community outside the country.

Azme Alishan is committed to changing perceptions within Pakistan, but also in the world about Pakistan – it’s for this reason that the campaign has gone to communities of Pakistani heritage around the world to draw on their talent and support to build a better Pakistan and a better world.

Pakistan: Ready to Rise takes place at the Rhythm Factory at Whitechapel, London, on March 1, 2012.