Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi Hosts Tribute to Patras Bukhari

By: Aziz Khatri

Karachi: The Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi organized a commemorative event in honor of the distinguished Urdu writer, humorist, broadcaster, and diplomat, Syed Ahmed Shah Patras Bukhari. The ceremony took place in the Haseena Moin Hall and was presided over by the renowned poetess Zehra Nigah. Muhammad Ahmed Shah, the President of the Arts Council, was also in attendance.

Veteran actor and music composer, Arshad Mahmood, served as the host, engaging in a dialogue with Ayaz Bukhari during the event. Their conversation highlighted various aspects of Patras Bukhari’s life and contributions. Video messages featuring reflections from eminent literary figures, including Zia Mohyeddin and Iftikhar Arif, were screened as part of the tribute.

The event featured a theatrical performance titled "Cinema Ka Ishq," presented by artists Faraz Chuttani and Hamza Ranjha, which captivated the audience and filled the hall with laughter and applause.

Many personalities associated with literature and the arts attended the event. In her presidential address, Zehra Nigah shared heartfelt memories, stating, “Today, the past is vividly alive before my eyes. I am fortunate to have met many great individuals and always found myself surrounded by such people. We want to continue cherishing these memories and pass on our treasures to the new generation.”

During the event, Ayaz Bukhari revealed that Patras Bukhari had ancestral roots in Bukhara and had migrated from there in the 1800s. He noted that multiple languages were spoken in their home, including Persian, Urdu, Hindko, Pashto, Arabic, and English. Ayaz also mentioned that Patras Bukhari’s father had a deep passion for poetry.

Furthermore, Ayaz highlighted that the Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi, features an open-air theatre named after Z.A. Bukhari, Patras Bukhari’s brother. He expressed his gratitude to President Ahmed Shah for organizing the event and shared that he created a website dedicated to Patras Bukhari 20 years ago, a project that took him four years to complete. “I dedicated this site to the children of Pakistan and all serious readers who wish to learn more about great personalities,” he stated.