Karachi’s Arts Alumni Festival 2025

By: Aziz Khatri

Karachi: The Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi celebrated the culmination of its three-day Arts Alumni Festival 2025 with a grand and vibrant showcase of artistic talent, highlighted by a spectacular Qawwali performance.

The final day of the festival captivated attendees with a powerful rendition of Tennessee Williams’ renowned play, The Glass Menagerie, directed by celebrated TV figure Khalid Ahmed, who also conducted a comprehensive voice workshop covering public speaking, acting, and hosting.

Among the day's highlights was the engaging panel discussion titled "Alumni Stars: Past and Future," and a masterclass exploring *The Art of Sonic Storytelling: From Folk Traditions to Future Melodies.* The Dance Academy students delivered breathtaking cultural performances that celebrated the diverse heritage of all four provinces of Pakistan, truly stealing the show.

In a tribute to the golden era of Pakistani cinema, Dance Academy head Mani Chao, alongside his talented students, presented a unique dance interpretation inspired by the ancient civilization of Mohenjo-Daro.

Speaking at the festival's closing ceremony, President of the Arts Council, Muhammad Ahmed Shah, expressed his pride in witnessing the enthusiastic participation of the younger generation. “The energy and passion of our youth over these three days was truly inspiring,” he remarked. Shah lauded the exemplary efforts of the Arts Council team in organizing the festival, declaring, “We have created a factory of happiness — and our finest product is the skilled artist.”

The festival concluded with an electrifying "Qawwali Fusion," where the Jambros Band, alongside fellow musicians, brought an unforgettable finale, adding vibrant colors to the Arts Alumni Festival 2025. The event reflected the rich tapestry of Pakistan's art scene and reaffirmed the commitment to nurturing creativity and cultural expression.

Reflecting on the journey of the Council, Shah noted, “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, and our art school, launched in 1964, has been revived to become Pakistan’s first dedicated art school.” He proudly mentioned that the artwork of their young artists is now exhibited in top galleries and sought after by prominent collectors.

Furthermore, Shah highlighted that the Council’s music students perform not only across Pakistan but also at international festivals, emphasizing the festival's dedication to martyrs while celebrating the triumph of Pakistan’s armed forces.

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