Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi’s Arts Alumni Festival 2025 conclude with a dazzling qawwali

KARACHI: Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi Organized a three-day Arts Alumni Festival 2025, concluding with a vibrant showcase of artistic talent. On the last day of the festival, a performance of Tennessee Williams’ acclaimed play The Glass Menagerie captivated the audience. Renowned TV director, producer, and actor Khalid Ahmed conducted a voice workshop covering public speaking, acting, teaching, and hosting.

Highlights of the closing day also included the panel Alumni Stars: Past and Future, a discussion on Masterclass in Music — The Art of Sonic Storytelling: From Folk Traditions to Future Melodies, and storytelling and dance showcases. Students of the Dance Academy stole the show with mesmerizing cultural performances representing all four provinces of Pakistan.

The festival also paid tribute to the golden era of Pakistani cinema through dance. Dance Academy head Mani Chao, along with students, presented a unique dance interpretation of the ancient civilization of Mohenjo-Daro.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, President Arts Council, Muhammad Ahmed Shah, expressed immense pride in the enthusiastic participation of the younger generation.

“The energy and passion of our youth over these three days was truly inspiring. I am proud to say that the students of our academies have now become experts in their respective fields,” said Shah. He congratulated the entire Arts Council team for successfully organizing the festival and added, “We have created a factory of happiness — and our finest product is the skilled artist.”

Reflecting on the Council’s journey, Shah remarked, “When I took charge, we had nothing. We began with a single teacher for our theatre academy, then established music and dance academies. Today, these institutions are thriving. Our art school, originally launched in 1964, was revived and now serves as Pakistan’s first dedicated art school. The work of our young artists is now being exhibited in top galleries across the country and is in demand by prominent collectors.”

He further shared that the Council’s music students perform not only across Pakistan but also at international festivals. “We dedicated this festival to our martyrs and celebrated the victory of Pakistan’s armed forces by paying tribute to the heroes of the Pakistan-India wars,” he said.

Ahmed Shah also addressed past resistance to dance as a legitimate art form. “Ten years ago, we launched Pakistan’s first open dance festival. People were fearful. No institution dared promote dance. But dance is a complete art form, and I am not promoting obscenity. Don’t people have the right to be happy? Why impose restrictions on joy?” he asked.

The last day of the festival concluded with a “Qawwali Fusion” in which the Jambros Band, along with fellow musicians, added color to the festival.