Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi hosted a condolence reference to late labor leader and human rights Activist, Karamat Ali at Auditorium I. Event featured tributes from various prominent figures, including President Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi Muhammad Ahmed Shah, Hussain Naqi, Dr. Syed Jaffar Ahmed, Mazhar Abbas, Shah Muhammad Shah, Nasir Mansoor, Salam Dharejo, Sheema Kermani, Aqila Naz, Qamarul Hassan, Husna Khatoon, and Shazia Karamat. Event was moderated by Shakeel Khan. During his speech, Muhammad Ahmed Shah praised Karamat Ali’s character and contributions, highlighting his dedication to labor rights. Shah recounted Karamat’s frequent discussions on workers’ issues and his romantic and cheerful nature, noting his love for dance and ability to create opportunities for others. Shah emphasized Karamat’s talent for maintaining dialogue even with adversaries and also mentioned his friendship with the artist Sadequain.
Renowned journalist and analyst Mazhar Abbas said, “I am fortunate to have spent time with Karamat Ali. On several occasions, we even discussed uniting journalistic organizations. The large gathering of people here today is significant. We must carry forward Karamat Ali’s mission, putting aside our differences, and come together on a single platform on 1st May.
Hussain Naqi reflected on his long association with Ali, noting his skills in painting and calligraphy before he decided to form trade unions and start a new mission. Naqi emphasized the need to carry forward Karamat’s mission for Pakistan’s progress through the unity of all trade unions. Scholar Dr. Jaffar Ahmed highlighted Karamat’s comprehensive approach to life and his clear commitment to the struggle for workers’ rights, mentioning Karamat’s last wish to organize laborers.. Shah Muhammad Shah shared his personal and political relationship with Karamat, describing him as a globally renowned revolutionary. He reminisced about their time founding the Pakistan National Party in 1979. He paid tribute to Karamat’s consistent advocacy for labor rights, including his efforts to address water issues at the Sindh National Conference.
Classical dancer Sheema Kermani honored Karamat Ali for his advocacy for workers’ rights, calling him a visionary who considered himself a laborer. She shared Karamat’s vision of a just and peaceful society and performed a ghazal in his honor during the condolence reference.
