Arts Council Karachi Pays Tribute to Director, Producer and TV Host Ali Raza

 By: Aziz Khatri

 Karachi: The Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi’s Stage Show Committee organized a prestigious tribute ceremony in honor of renowned Director, Producer and Television Host Ali Raza, acknowledging his outstanding contributions to media, culture and public awareness.

The event was attended by General Javed Zia, DIG CTD Ghulam Azfar Mahesar, DIG South Asad Raza, Chairman Stage Show Committee Saadat Ali Jafri, Chairman Music Committee Amjad Hussain Shah, SSP Ali Raza, along with prominent artists and personalities including Shakeel Siddiqui, Junaid Iqbal, Syeda Uzma, Atif Iqbal, Babar Abbasi, Zafar Abbas, Taqi Raza, Dr. Nasaka, Nair Raza, and others. The ceremony was gracefully moderated by Noman Khan.

At the outset, a specially prepared showreel highlighting Ali Raza’s professional journey and services was screened. Chairman Stage Show Committee Saadat Ali Jafri presented a commemorative shield on behalf of the Arts Council, while Chairman Music Committee Amjad Hussain Shah presented a bouquet on behalf of President Arts Council Muhammad Ahmed Shah. Ali Raza was also honored with a Gold Award.

On behalf of IG Sindh Javed Alam Odho, SSP Ali Raza presented flowers and a certificate of appreciation to Ali Raza.

Speaking on the occasion, Saadat Ali Jafri said that since 2009, the Stage Show Committee has upheld the tradition of honoring artists during their lifetime rather than posthumously. He recalled honoring legends such as Mustafa Qureshi, Qazi Wajid, Zaheer Khan, Zaheen Tahira, Hanif Raja and Hassan Jahangir. He credited President Muhammad Ahmed Shah for elevating the Arts Council to international recognition, particularly through the World Culture Festival, which brought Pakistan’s culture to the global stage.

Amjad Hussain Shah congratulated the Arts Council and praised Ali Raza’s literary and vocal excellence, noting his recitation of elegies by great poets such as Mir Anees, Mirza Dabeer, Josh Malihabadi and Naseem Amrohi. He described Ali Raza as a personality whose talent, voice and lineage combine to create a distinctive presence.

General Javed Zia termed Ali Raza a national asset, praising his courage and humility. He highlighted Ali Raza’s impactful work in sensitive regions like Quetta, Balochistan, calling him a true national hero.

Former IG Sindh Ghulam Nabi Memon said Ali Raza conveyed messages that others could not, emphasizing the importance of awareness in policing and society.

DIG CTD Ghulam Azfar Mahesar remarked that being honored during one’s lifetime is a rare blessing, which Ali Raza rightfully deserves for supporting law enforcement through modern and strategic thinking.

Comedian Shakeel Siddiqui appreciated Ali Raza’s inspiring journey from hosting to national recognition.

In video messages, ARY Chairman Haji Jan Muhammad called Ali Raza a valued family member of ARY for over 25 years, while Indian actor Raza Murad lauded Ali Raza’s bravery, noting the success of the program “Criminal Most Wanted” in bringing criminals to justice.

Actor Hanif Raja described Ali Raza as a sincere patriot who risked his life for the country. Ali Raza’s wife emotionally stated that the honor bestowed by the Arts Council was something she herself wished to give him.

In his address, Syed Ali Raza Naqvi expressed gratitude and humility, stating that serving humanity and standing with the oppressed was the core objective behind “Criminal Most Wanted.” He credited his success to Allah and acknowledged his wife’s unwavering support. He reaffirmed his loyalty to the state and thanked ARY Network, President Arts Council Muhammad Ahmed Shah, and Chairman Stage Show Committee Saadat Ali Jafri for organizing a memorable and dignified tribute.