Karachi
\nArts Council of Pakistan Karachi has inaugurated the 21-day \u201cAwami Theatre Festival 2024\u201d, which is inaugurates by President Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi Muhammad Ahmed Shah.
\nProminent artists, including Nazar Hussain, Adam Rathore, Shakeel Siddiqui, Rauf Lala, Zakir Mastana, Shakeel Shah, Younus Memon, Zahid Shah, Tasneem Rana, Rizwan Sabir, Danish Baloch, Wajeeha Waris, Amir Rambo, Abdul Hameed Rathore, Jameel Rahi, Khadim Hussain Achvi, and Ilyas Nadeem, attended the event.
\nDuring the opening, President Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi Muhammad Ahmed Shah remarked that Pakistan is fundamentally for the people, and the purpose of the \u201cAwami Theatre Festival\u201d is to bring smiles to people\u2019s faces.
\nHe added that the festival, which could extend beyond its planned 21 days. We invites international artists but never neglecting local artists.
\nHe emphasized that his work is driven not by personal ambition but by a desire to serve the country\u2019s youth, urging the government to allow them to continue their efforts.
\nHe called on the Prime Minister and ministers to fulfill the promises made to the public who voted for them. Shah also noted that numerous colleagues who contributed to theatre at the Arts Council have passed away, and \u201cAwami Theatre Festival\u201d continues this cherished tradition.
\nHe assured that there would be no preference or special treatment, as seating will be on a first-come, first-served basis regardless of social status.
\nHe expressed regret over limited resources but stressed that the festival provides free entertainment for the public.
\nFor the first time, the \u201cAwami Theatre Festival\u201d is being held indoors in the air-conditioned auditorium rather than open-air.
\nHe credited the Governing Body, Arts Council members, and the team for this initiative. Actor Rauf Lala praised Muhammad Ahmed Shah for his efforts in reviving Karachi\u2019s vibrancy, citing his contributions to the \u201cWorld Culture Festival\u201d.
\nHe commended Shah for organizing \u201cAwami Theatre Festival\u201d, adding that legendary artists like Moin Akhtar, Umer Sharif, and Sikander Sanam are still remembered worldwide. Actor Zakir Mastana also appreciated Shah\u2019s dedication to providing entertainment for the people of Karachi and his work to revive theatre.
\nThis festival includes performances in Urdu, Sindhi, Pashto, Saraiki, Memoni, and other languages, aiming to offer a rich experience to Karachi\u2019s public. Director Zahid Shah welcomed the festival\u2019s launch, acknowledging that only someone like Ahmed Shah could bring this vision to life. He highlighted Shah\u2019s extensive contributions to the artist community.
\nOn the festival\u2019s first day, writer and director Shakeel Shah presented an educational stage play titled \u201cKhwaish\u201d (Desire), featuring a cast that included Zakir Mastana, Shahani Azeem, Shanzy, Shabbir Bhatti, Sapna Ghazal, Shahbaz Sanam, Ashraf Chiragh, and Shakeel Shah himself. The play revolves around the theme of desires, portraying a woman who amasses worldly wishes, from wealth to grandchildren.
\nShe meets an elder who tells her that each desire will be granted but at a cost. When she wishes for ten million rupees, her son tragically dies in an accident, and she receives the money as insurance compensation. In this manner, she faces the consequences of three desires.
\nOn November 9, the Sindhi-language play \u201cWah Saeen Wah\u201d will be performed at 8 p.m. It is worth noting that \u201cAwami Theatre Festival\u201d will feature daily performances on various social and cultural topics, with free entry for the public.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Karachi Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi has inaugurated the 21-day \u201cAwami Theatre Festival 2024\u201d, which is inaugurates by President Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi Muhammad Ahmed Shah. Prominent artists, including Nazar Hussain, Adam Rathore, Shakeel Siddiqui, Rauf Lala, Zakir Mastana, Shakeel Shah, Younus Memon, Zahid Shah, Tasneem Rana, Rizwan Sabir, Danish Baloch, Wajeeha Waris, Amir […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":442620,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-442687","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-national"},"yoast_head":"\n