KARACHI: The auspices of Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi, A press conference regarding the 17-day “Awami Theater Festival 2024.” was held at Haseena Moin Hall. Notable intellectual and humorist Anwar Maqsood, President Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi Muhammad Ahmed Shah, senior actor and Vice President Arts Council Munawar Saeed, and Secretary Ejaz Farooqi provided a briefing.
A large number of artists attended, including Drama Committee Chairman and senior actor Syed Shehzad Raza Naqvi, Asjad Bukhari, Iqbal Latif, Parvez Siddiqui, Saleem Afridi, Adam Rathore, and Shakeel Shah. On this occasion, renowned intellectual Anwar Maqsood remarked that, under the current circumstances in Sindh, hosting such a large World Culture Festival in Karachi is a positive development. He mentioned that he has watched shows by Liaquat Soldier and Shehzad Naqvi, noting that Awami Theater attracts a unique audience; even the world’s biggest actors cannot match its distinct appeal. He praised the Arts Council team for their hard work and dedication, adding that special attention should be paid to the scripts in theater. “Success is already coming,” he said, “and with your popularity, the hall will naturally fill up.”
President Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi Muhammad Ahmed Shah announced that the opening ceremony of the “Awami Theater Festival” will be held on Friday, November 8. He mentioned that recently, the Arts Council organized the world’s largest festival in history, featuring theaters from Kosovo and Palestine, physical theater, as well as music and dance performances. “We have been organizing festivals,” he said, “but I consider the World Culture Festival a major success.” He added that throughout the year, theater and music directors from around the world will conduct workshops at the Arts Council, providing children with valuable learning opportunities. “There is no age limit for learning; this journey continues until one’s last breath,” he said. “Anyone who thinks they know everything is the biggest fool.” He announced plans for a grand festival next October.
“Today, I bring with me the rich history of theater,” he added. “The Awami Theater Festival is a tradition that the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi has upheld. Anwar Maqsood, a literary icon of our country, also has a deep love for theater.” Veteran actor and Vice President Munawar Saeed mentioned that his drama Mirza and Sons was very popular, with Qavi Khan portraying his son. He praised Qavi as a remarkable actor. “I began my career in theater and then moved on to radio, TV, and film,” he said. “No other medium offers better training than theater.” He encouraged young learners to approach theater work with responsibility and care, as success in theater often leads to broader success in other areas.
Secretary Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi, Ejaz Farooqi, show gratitude to attendees and remarked that today’s press conference turned into a theater class, adding that such opportunities will continue to be available for everyone at the Arts Council. The 17-day “Awami Theater Festival,” starting November 8, will run until November 24, with daily performances in various languages, with each play beginning at 8 p.m.
