Muhammad Ahmed Shah, President of the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi, articulated a commitment to eliminating the socio-cultural divide between different city areas, such as Kharadar and Defence, by making art universally accessible.
According to a statement today, Shah’s remarks came during a ceremony organised to honour his contributions to culture, where he emphasised that the ongoing Awami Theatre Festival is receiving a significant public response.
The event, held at the Arts Council and arranged by ZB Art Production, was attended by a large contingent of stage drama writers, directors, and artists. On behalf of the organisers, Director Zahid Shah presented an award to Mr. Shah, while other members of the theatre fraternity presented him with a traditional Sindhi Ajrak as a gesture of respect.
In his address, Mr. Shah expressed gratitude for the recognition and affirmed that the bond of respect among artists would persist. He reiterated the Arts Council”s unwavering support for the artistic community and underscored the importance of unity. He noted the success of public theatre and stated that efforts were underway to make art an inclusive experience for everyone in the city.
Speakers at the gathering offered praise for Mr. Shah’s leadership. Senior actor Nazar Hussain described him as a “shining face of Pakistan,” crediting him with elevating the Arts Council”s status both nationally and internationally. Younis Memon noted his tireless work for the promotion of arts, while Zakir Mastana commended his consistent support for artists.
Director Zahid Shah stated the ceremony was a tribute to Mr. Shah, highlighting his role in establishing global recognition for the council through events like the World Culture Festival and the International Urdu Conference. He remarked that there is no other personality who has worked so extensively for artists.
The discussion also turned to the future of local theatre. Parvez Siddiqui suggested that the art form could flourish year-round if writers and directors committed to producing at least one play each month. Actor Adam Rathore advocated for more family-oriented productions at the Awami Theatre Festival to encourage wider participation from families.