Happenings
World Culture Festival Karachi
Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi at a press conference recently gave details to the media on ‘World Culture Festival Karachi.’ President Arts Council, Muhammad Ahmed Shah, along with renowned intellectual and humorist Anwar Maqsood, actor, theatre director Khalid Ahmed, Prof. Ejaz Ahmed Farooqi and Qudsia Akbar spoke on the occasion. Muhammad Ahmed Shah announced that the ‘World Culture Festival Karachi’ will begin on September 26th and continue till October 30th, 2024.
The festival will have more than 34 countries participating from around the world. The festival will feature more than 100 cultural performances by more than 350 artists, including theatre, music, dance groups, and fine arts from Pakistan and abroad. He further added that before the Aalmi Urdu Conference, the Arts Council usually hosts the Youth Festival, Theatre Festival, Music Festival and Dance Festival. However, this time, they are bringing the largest festival in Pakistan’s history, named the ‘World Culture Festival Karachi.’ He mentioned that during the last Pakistan Theatre Festival, seven countries participated, and although they initially planned to organize another Pakistan Theatre Festival, the overwhelming response from embassies and music and dance artists led them to expand the event into a World Culture Festival.
There would be a fusion of various music and dance forms from around the world, with workshops and talks alongside performances, open to Arts Council students and others through registration. He explained that all groups will perform with Arts Council students at various universities and communities. “Previously the artists found great joy in performing at all these locations. We will also showcase Pakistan’s folk music, theatre and dance,” Ahmed Shah revealed highlighting that Pakistan’s culture, artists, and heritage were rich, and the festival would also include qawwali and classical dance. Performances by Akhtar Chanal, Wahab Bugti, Mai Dhai, instrumentalist Abdullah, and Faqir Zulfiqar, as well as instruments like sarangi and flute were to be part of the festival aimed to create a universal music experience with international artists. He also mentioned being in continuous contact with Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, who has fully supported the festival and assured security arrangements. While there have been visa issues between India and Pakistan, efforts are being made to include as many artists from various countries as possible.
Renowned humorist and writer Anwar Maqsood remarked that just as Allama Iqbal had a dream, Ahmed Shah had a dream of bringing together 40 countries in one place, which is indeed a dream. “Ahmed Shah will make this happen, and this programme will surely be successful.” He noted that for 77 years, the nation has not been truly happy, but perhaps this festival will bring some joy. He was pleased that groups from Jaipur and Mumbai would be participating and that artists from all over the world are coming to this festival.
Theatre director Khalid Ahmed added that this festival is going to be a huge one. He expressed amazement at the scale of the festival, acknowledging that the challenges were not easy, but it was a great learning opportunity for students to understand how people think globally.
National Epilepsy Centre, JPMC along with Epilepsy Association of Pakistan, held a press conference at Port Grand recently. This event marked a unified initiative to launch February 28th as National Epilepsy Day and designate February as National Epilepsy Awareness Month.
The press meet was graced by Murtaza Wahab Siddiqui, the Mayor of Karachi as the Chief Guest, with Nadia Jamil, a celebrated actor and an individual living with epilepsy, as the Guest of Honour.
Dr Zarine Mogal, the president of the Epilepsy Association, highlighted the significance of International Epilepsy Day, celebrated globally on the second Monday of February, and the relevance of earmarking February 28th, the birth anniversary of Abdul Sattar Edhi Sahib, Pakistan’s most renowned humanitarian who also lived with epilepsy. By recognizing Abdul Sattar Edhi Sahib’s birthday as National Epilepsy Day, the initiative aims to celebrate people with epilepsy, who with resilience and determination can achieve great heights despite epilepsy.
She emphasized the pressing need to continue sustained awareness campaigns about epilepsy, a treatable neurological condition that affects approximately 1% of Pakistan’s population—equivalent to 2.2 million individuals. Dr Zarine Mogal mentioned that the health ministry Govt of Pakistan has been approached for their endorsement as the initiative begins from the city today. She requested every person from all walks of life to join hands to inspire hope, foster understanding, and create a supportive environment for 2.2 million people living with epilepsy in Pakistan.
Port Grand the city’s iconic harbour front development launched “The Grand Geetmala,” an enjoyable live musical experience that celebrates the timeless lyrics and songs of legendary subcontinental singers. “The Grand Geetmala” is the latest addition to Port Grand’s monthly entertainment calendar and will be a regular feature. This launch programme is designed to evoke nostalgia and pay tribute to the rich musical heritage of the subcontinent.
A private premiere show was held recently, attended by the city’s elite and notables. The evening unfolded with food, aesthetic settings and captivating performances, culminating in a memorable night that extended into the early hours of Sunday.
Committed to preserving national values, tradition, and ensuring guest safety, Port Grand established itself as a family destination for entertainment, dining, and cultural experiences in Pakistan including music, art, culture, culinary delights and festivals.
Pakistan Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Organization celebrated its 70th Anniversary on December 7, 2024. The organisation was founded by Dr. Salima R Ahmed (Late) in 1954 which was inaugurated by Begum Liaquat Ali Khan. It is presently headed by Ms. Nasreen Mahdi. A function was organized by the NGO to pay tribute to the pioneers appreciating their contribution. The chief guests were Sultana Siddiqui, Khanum Gauhar Aijaz, Mrs. Masuda Ahmed, Ms. Ayesha Islam, Ms. Akram Khatoon, Ms Rashida Raza, Begum Jamila Daud and Advocate Zia Awan.
The President in her speech highlighted the contribution of Dr. Salima R Ahmed, the founder who led the organization for 63 years. She pointed out that the NGO exists in seven cities of Pakistan and some of the projects the organization is running are Working Women’s Hostels, Schools, Craft Centres, Housing Societies and Medical Care Centres etc. and upcoming projects like Girls College in Gharo.
The function was attended by the members of the Pakistan Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Organisation and guests. The dances and skits presented by the students of Dr. S R A BPW Quality School were enjoyed by those present. Sultana Siddiqui, President Hum Network spoke about the days when she actively participated in the NGO and the work of Salima Ahmed. Each guest highlighted the early days of the organisation. Shields were presented to all the chief guests and gifts to school children.
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