Following the successful conclusion of its 26-day “Awami Theatre Festival”, the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi has announced plans to devise a permanent strategy for year-round theatrical performances, aiming to move beyond seasonal events and sustain cultural engagement for the city”s residents.
According to information by Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi today, the festival culminated in a grand closing ceremony at Auditorium II, where Provincial Minister for Labour, Saeed Ghani, acting as chief guest, joined Arts Council President Muhammad Ahmed Shah in distributing shields, certificates, and cheques to participating directors.
Commencing on January 22, the event showcased Pakistan”s rich cultural diversity through a lineup of 30 plays performed in multiple languages, including Urdu, Sindhi, Punjabi, Balochi, Saraiki, and Memoni.
In his address, Mr Shah expressed his desire for the younger generation to carry forward the tradition of theatre. He underscored that the council”s goal is to ensure artistic activities continue throughout the year, serving as a platform for children, youth, and senior artists alike.
He stated that the primary objective of the festival, which offered free entry to the public, was to bring joy and laughter to the people of Karachi ahead of Ramadan, particularly during challenging times faced by citizens. He expressed satisfaction with the large number of families in attendance.
Provincial Minister Saeed Ghani congratulated Mr Shah and his team, remarking on the Arts Council”s transformation into a prestigious, internationally recognised institution. He recalled a time of minimal activity at the council, contrasting it with its current global standing.
Mr Ghani noted that building institutions of such a high calibre requires vision and consistent hard work beyond governmental capacity alone. He praised the council for providing equal opportunities to all talented individuals, irrespective of background, and attributed its success to Mr Shah”s passion for positive initiatives.
The ceremony, which was attended by a host of prominent cultural personalities including Sheema Kermani, Shakil Siddiqui, and Zakir Mastana, concluded with theatre directors and artists giving a standing ovation to Muhammad Ahmed Shah for his contributions to the arts.